Fall is here, and autumn lovers everywhere are celebrating the return of cool weather and pumpkin spice everything. I love the fall as much as the next pumpkin addict. But even with all of the autumn goodness in the air, I can’t forget what else October brings.
This month marks the east coast return of the self-proclaimed “Greatest Show on Earth.” Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents Legends will kick off their east coast tour on October 22nd in Bridgeport, CT. The circus will run throughout the fall and winter with dates in New York and New Jersey. Though reps for the circus announced in early 2015 that they would be retiring their famous elephant act, the iconic Asian elephants are still being forced to work for the time being.
A Performance Fueled by Fear
For years, animal rights activists have protested the show’s mistreatment of wild animals; especially the horrific use of bullhooks on elephants. The sharp point of this primitive weapon is used to stick the elephant’s flesh as a way to force cooperation.
Bullhooks are almost always seen in the elephant handler’s grip during a performance. As most animal lovers know, elephants are an extremely intelligent and sensitive species. To “break” their warm and playful spirit, circus trainers also use electrical prods, chains and ropes. The need for violent coercion proves that circus elephants are frightened into performing, and would never choose to live this kind of life.
Below is a public service announcement by PETA, featuring Alec Baldwin, that contains heartbreaking footage. But, exposing the truth behind Ringling Bros. and their treatment of elephants has gained unprecedented support for the movement towards animal-free circus’.
Ringling Bros. Finally Takes a Hint
Protesters throughout the country agree that it’s time to stop abusing and terrorizing these brilliant creatures for the purpose of human entertainment. Crowds of animal rights protesters can be seen gathering outside of almost every show while the circus is in town.
Cities like Los Angeles and Oakland have banned the use of bullhooks, and given the circus an ultimatum: either change the treatment of your animals or free them. This year, Ringling Bros. finally gave in to mounting pressure.
In March 2015, the Ringling Bros. organization announced that they would be succumbing to the demands of activists. By 2018, the circus has vowed to rid their show of elephant exploitation. However as criticism continues to grow, the number of circus attendees has dwindled. It seems that Ringling Bros. may have underestimated their audience member’s capacity for compassion.
Where Will Retired Elephants End Up?
Once Ringling Bros. does follow through with their promise, the circus elephants will head to the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida. Here, they will continue to be bred and used for research. Ringling Bros. says that elephant research at the center will be used to study breeding and diseases that effect the species. They claim that this is the best way to keep Asian elephants from extinction.
While a life off the road and out of the spotlight will be a much needed improvement, some animal rights groups aren’t satisfied. Many are questioning why the elephants that are not even native to the United States must continue to breed here and “work” as research subjects. Some are calling for the elephants to retire to a true elephant sanctuary instead.
The question remains; does Ringling have the right to continue to keep the animals for their own purposes? What do you think about Ringling’s decision?
Brian Maida says
Thanks for the great article! It is clear they are using poor excuses to justify their exploitation of elephants. There is no altruism here because the basis of them exploiting elephants is purely a profit motive. They sound much like Sea World. If any of these organizations cared about the animals they exploit, there only option would be to completely stop using them for any purpose, put them in a sanctuary and make financial reparations for their care. Until then, they are all just paying lip service.
Jennifer O'Malley says
Exactly! There is so acceptable justification for subjecting any animal to an abusive and unnatural life. Entertainment and profit are pathetic excuses for the way Asian circus elephants are forced to live. It is a shame that Ringling continues to attempt to spin their actions.
Thank you Brian!