IT is difficult to imagine this happening today of course, but in the 1980s, elephants were spotted on Sandown beach.
The circus came to town, and the huge animals were part of the Big Top entertainment.
The late Ken Chiverton, who lived in the town, took these photos of the elephants being taken for a dip in the sea.
His son Rob Chiverton has kindly shared them with us.
Rob posted them on Facebook this week, saying: "No dogs on the beach... maybe, but it doesn't say anything about elephants.
"Good job they remembered to bring their swimming "trunks".
"At Yaverland around the 1980s, photos taken by my dad."
Sandown beach was no stranger to unusual sights. Owner of the zoo over the road was Jack Corney, who used to walk tigers along the sand.
If you have any unusual photos to share, we would love to see them!
Send them to editor@iwcp.co.uk
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