One Of Those Days Elephants Never Forget
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday September 16, 2000
It was greeted by a haka troupe and a diamondbacked python, borne past meerkats and Himalayan tahrs.
About 8,000 people came to watch the torch go through Taronga Zoo, past the spider monkeys and elephants Burma and Heman, past the historic floral clock and the snow leopards, the crowd part of one of the biggest gatherings at the zoo since New Year's Eve celebrations.
On the northern shore of the Harbour, bisected by Cremorne Point, the torch was hailed by the troupe of haka dancers made up of relatives of torch bearer Jon Stevens.
It was a little bit of New Zealand on a quintessentially Australian journey, a Maori war chant joining wattle in celebration of the flame. For the veteran entertainer it was a personal high, a little piece of history to be cherished long afterwards.
``It's just been fabulous, it's a fantastic moment," he said, as he passed the flame to another torchbearer, Mr Greg Cox. ``Having family here to watch it is great."
Surrounded by Elliot the sulfurcrested cockatoo, Mr Jones the red kangaroo and Loanna the koala, it was off again carried by Mr Cox down towards the Harbour.
For the Kirribilli resident the symbolism was inescapable. It was a truly Australian day complete with national mascots, a new kind of festival for a community sadly missing common rituals.
``I'm absolutely psyched ... it's really such an honour, especially on its final journey today. It just seems an extra bit special."
But for Georgia Holloway, 5, and Chanelle Smart, 9, it was simply a chance to catch the flame while taking in the animals.
Both had seen it on television before but the real thing was much more spectacular.
``It's been everywhere, and the nearer it gets to the opening ceremony the more exciting it is. You see a lot of famous people running with it. It's just very exciting," Chanelle said.
For Mosman residents Morag and Cliff Holloway, the torch celebration has offered many Australians the chance to display patriotism.
``It allows you to wave a flag without being laughed at," Ms Holloway said.
``We're not really handsontheheart people, but watching the torch go by there's a real sense of national pride."
© 2000 Sydney Morning Herald