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Central Valley Animal Liberation Activists Challenge Ringling
Five days of protests against animal abuse at the Ringling Brothers Circus in Fresno.
Animal Liberation activists from the central valley joined forces in five days of protests, covering nine shows Wednesday through Sunday, against Ringling Bros. (Feld Entertainment Inc.) Circus, calling it the "cruelest show on earth." A coalition of Fresno activists, Fresno Voices for Animals, was joined by the Modesto-based Direct Action Anti-Authoritarian collective to call attention to Ringling's continuing use and abuse of wild animals in its "family based" extravaganza. Using literature and video that called attention to vicious and brutal elephant "training" techniqes, holding up giant banners and signs, drumming, whistling and chanting--the activists were able to turn a number of patrons away from the circus. Many more agreed that this would be their last animal circus. Activists noted that Ringling's so-called entertainment would not be possible without whips and muzzles, bullhooks and beatings, chains and cages, electric shocks, starvation, and, all too often, death. Since the summer of 2004, when a young lion named Clyde died on a railroad siding outside of Phoenix while en route to Fresno, Ringling has only used wild elephants and zebras in its Fresno shows. On the other hand, Rinlging brought in several ordinary house cats trapped in tiny battery cages for its Fresno family fun. In any case, activists encouraged patrons to consider what it means to force animals, especially wild animals, to "perform." Activists provided the following statement regarding Ringling: "Circus animals including elephanst are complex creatures who form social structures, develop family bonds, and, when threatened, fight for their freedom and their lives. If you think that a bear riding a tricycle, an elephant standing on it’s head, or a tiger dancing on hind legs is natural or even acceptable, consider the violence used to capture and “train” these wild animals. In 2000, poachers killed 60 free-roaming endangered female Asian elephants so that their babies could be collected and sold to the entertainment industry. Of the 60 elephants worked under Ringling, 44 are from the wild. In order to break the spirits of these majestic animals, circuses use tools of torture. Bears often have their noses broken and their paws burned to force them into an upright position. Elephants are gouged by sharp bullhooks to scare them into compliance. Tigers and lions are drugged and choked by chains or ropes to placate them. Chimpanzees are caged in solitary confinement and beaten with clubs. And a “unicorn” was even created by mutilating a baby goat--surgically moving his horns to the center of his forehead. Circus animals are caged or chained for roughly 98 percent of their lives. The remainder of the time they are either being “trained,” paraded, or put on stage. George “Slim” Lewis, former elephant trainer and author of Loved Rogues, reflected on one memorable occasion of elephant “training”. “One day...we began to punish [Sadie the elephant] for being so stupid. We stopped suddenly...unable to speak. Sadie was crying like a human being. She lay there on her side, the tears streaming down her face and sobs racking her huge body.” Sylvia K. Sikes, author of “The Natural History of the African Elephant,” says that it is unusual to see wild elephants cry but that it’s common among captive elephants. One Ringling Bros. employee told the Elephant Alliance how the circus treated a bear: “She was a sweet little...brown bear...but sometimes she had trouble balancing on the high wire. She was then beaten with long metal rods until she was screaming and bloody. She became so neurotic that she would beat her head against her small cage. She finally died.” A reporter who traveled with Ringling Bros. said of one chimpanzee: “Repeatedly, he was struck with a study club. The thumps could be heard outside the arena building, and the screams further than that.” According to former animal trainer Pat Derby, “After 25 years of observing and documenting circuses, I know there are no kind animal trainers.” Despite their claims, Ringling clearly does not “love” animals. In fact, Ringling’s parent corporation, Feld Entertainment, has been known to take aggressive action against animal rights activists. In an attempt to discredit individuals critical of their animal abuse, Feld hired former CIA operative Clair E. George, once head of CIA covert operations worldwide, to engineer a dirty tricks campaign against activists. George disclosed his services for Feld in a federal civil suit, Smith v. Feld. According to George, Feld paid for illegal spying, wiretapping, videotaping, harassment, and theft of private documents. George also oversaw efforts to undermine biographer Jan Pottker who was writing a book on Ringling’s history of animal cruelty. In preparation for what appeared to be a coordinated arrest of animal liberation activists during last year's protest in Fresno, Feld and SMG, who has a contractual relationship with the city of Fresno to run Selland arena, hired Lowers and Associates International Risk Mitigation Partners. Lowers and Associates compiled substantial information on activists and provided a security strategy to SMG. SMG hired Fresno police department officers to serve as security for the circus. The officers proceeded to arrest activists on charges that were thrown out a year later. Money, power, influence, covert operations--can this really be a part of 'The Greatest Show on Earth?' Consider the origin of today’s circuses. The use of wild animals including elephants in entertainment dates to ancient Roman times. The Romans trained elephants to do tricks similar to those displayed today and some even more bizarre like walking tight ropes and dining from couches. They also used elephants and other wild animals in gladiatorial bloodbaths. Thankfully, gladiatorial contests have gone the way of human slavery. But animal slavery continues. And for now, only you can answer the question in your own heart: will you be a party to arrogance and oppression or to honesty and liberation? Do you actually love animals or do you contribute your entertainment dollars to their abuse? Nothing less than your conscience and character and a life sentence for animals are at stake." Protests against Ringling continue at Selland arena through Sunday. The activists next plan to take their case to the Fresno City council and ask the council members to join dozens of other cities across North America that have permanently banned circuses that force wild animals to to perform.
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Good report, about the *animals*. Contrarily, when reports are about activists battling authorities it can often seem as if the activists want to "upstage" the REAL story (the animals), if you will, and it's off-topic really. The animals' story is then lost, which is most unfortunate.
And thank you for caring about ALL the animals in the circus, not just the elephants! I do think, however, that the domestic ones suffer as much as the wild ones.
And thank you for caring about ALL the animals in the circus, not just the elephants! I do think, however, that the domestic ones suffer as much as the wild ones.
thanks for your comments on the article. yeah, the story, and the work of the activists is definitely about trying to bear witness to the animals' suffering.
regarding the domestic versus wild issue, i imagine that when we try to bring a proposal to ban animal circuses in Fresno we might get hung up on that issue. some council members might say (hopefully) "i can see your point about wild animals like elephants or tigers, but what's wrong with having horses in the circus?" what a horrible dilemma: an ordinance that would stop elephants from being brought to town but keep the other animals in the cages and train cars and chains.
regarding the domestic versus wild issue, i imagine that when we try to bring a proposal to ban animal circuses in Fresno we might get hung up on that issue. some council members might say (hopefully) "i can see your point about wild animals like elephants or tigers, but what's wrong with having horses in the circus?" what a horrible dilemma: an ordinance that would stop elephants from being brought to town but keep the other animals in the cages and train cars and chains.
My name is Rachael. I recently published a book about training elephant's I aided in the training of elephant's for 8 year's I had never, ever saw the elephant's abused. Actually the trained elephant is a very lucky one. They get walk's, manicure's, daily walk's bath's, and a carefully watched diet of healthy food for them But most of all they get alot of love and have communication with their trainer. A keeper & a trainer are 2 completely position's The elephant trainer has to have alot of patience and knowledge of the training with alway's year's of experience. One can't just train and elephant without those year's of experience. There is nothing wrong with using a hook,as long as it is not misused.As a matter of fact elephant's Do forget & need to be kept up with what they were trained to do. My father trained elephant's from the early 1950's until he retired in the early 1990's.
Having actually worked for Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey, I can actually say that if the animal trainers and handlers I knew were so cruel to the animals as is alleged, then they are better actors then Meryl Streep, Laurence Olivier, and Marlon Brando put together. Consider these charges and then consider the people and organizations that bring them forth. Ringling is the biggest and most famous circus in the world. It's legacy far exceeds many American stables and brands, such as Coca-Cola and Major League Baseball, thus, they are the perfect target for this incideous campaign. I wonder why no one is talking about these following facts:
May 18, 2005
CCF Tells Senate: PETA Supports Terrorism
The Center for Consumer Freedom testified today before the Senate's Environmental and Public Works committee that highly visible tax-exempt groups including People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) have ties to violent organizations like the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).
Collectively, ALF and ELF have committed more than one thousand criminal acts amounting to more than $110 million in damage from arson, vandalism, and other violent tactics. The FBI has called them "our highest domestic terrorism investigative priority."
Groups like ALF and ELF receive financial support from above-ground, non-profit organizations. Our testimony today detailed how mainstream animal rights organizations support much more insidious underground operations. Here is an except from our testimony:
Those who engage in "direct action" crimes, such as starting fires, detonating bombs, threatening lives, and stalking innocent people, receive demonstrable cooperation and assistance-both rhetorical and financial-from an above-ground support system. Today I'd like to walk you through some of our findings in this regard.
A good place to start is No Compromise, a self-described "militant, direct action magazine" for ALF supporters. In 1999, No Compromise published a list of its benefactors, which included People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Fund for Animals, In Defense of Animals, and the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance-all groups with 501(c)(3) federal tax exemptions. The list also included PETA's president and two other PETA officers, and an activist now on the staff of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
HSUS, PETA, and PETA's quasi-medical affiliate, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), are troubling examples of animal-rights charities which have connections to their movement's militant underbelly. In some cases, the line between the direct-action underground and more "mainstream" protest groups is quite blurry.
Click here to read our complete testimony.
ALSO READ THIS REGARDING THE TRIAL THAT WASTED TAX PAYER MONEY AND TOOK A JURY ONLY TWO HOURS TO SEE THE ABSURDITY OF:
December 31, 2001
Making a circus of justice
By: Paul Driessen
"Animal rights" extremists who argue that cows, pigs, rats and all other animals are entitled to the same rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as people have suffered a well-deserved courtroom defeat.
The latest stunt by these media-savvy activists to advance their movement was the trumped-up prosecution of a genuine animal lover who has dedicated his life to caring for elephants - trainer Mark Gebel of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Justice and common sense prevailed when a jury in San Jose, Calif., found Mr. Gebel innocent on Dec. 21 of violating a unique California law against elephant abuse. What was the heinous alleged crime? Mr. Gebel was accused of poking an 8,000-pound elephant and causing a pinprick-size cut. He didn't do it, and jurors believed him. The jury foreman said that the case should never have been brought to court.
To think that Mr. Gebel would abuse the elephants he loves makes as much sense as thinking Roy Rogers abused his beloved horse Trigger, or that classic TV shows like "Lassie" and "Flipper" taught children to hate and abuse animals.
Mr. Gebel, 31, grew up in the circus as the son of famed wild animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams. He devotes himself to feeding elephants, caring for them, and helping them learn enjoyable behaviors.
The more you learn about the bizarre case against Mr. Gebel, the more absurd it gets. It turns out that the two people who made the allegations of animal abuse - a police officer and a Humane Society officer - never even saw Mr. Gebel strike the elephant, because their view of him was blocked by the animal.
Instead, the two women alleging abuse merely saw the elephant bolt forward when Mr. Gebel was standing beside it. This led them to assume Gebel hit the elephant.
On top of that, the Humane Society officer admitted on cross-examination that she didn't write a report about the alleged abuse until five days later, and erroneously stated that Mr. Gebel was wearing a red costume rather than the gold outfit he actually wore. And the police officer admitted in court that she has been active in the "animal rights" movement and attended a conference and workshop titled "New Tactics Banning Circuses."
Mr. Gebel's attorney, James McManis, told jurors: "The facts are, Mark Gebel did not abuse this elephant, he did not discipline this animal, he did not punish this animal."
A Ringling Brothers veterinarian who examined the elephant found no evidence the elephant was injured and offered the Humane Society officer filing the complaint the opportunity to bring in another veterinarian of her choice to examine the animal. The Humane Society officer refused and demanded prosecution of Mr. Gebel.
To understand this prosecution, you have to understand that the "animal rights" fanatics pressing this frivolous case want to put circuses out of business - along with every other industry that deals with animals.
The illogical logic of these radicals was best expressed in 1983 by Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. A newspaper quoted Newkirk as saying: "Six million Jews died in concentration camps, but 6 billion broiler chickens will die this year in slaughter houses." Tell that to someone who lost a relative in the Holocaust.
In the elephant case, "animal rights" extremists turned to the legal system to get their way. But in other cases, zealots haven't hesitated to break the law. They've burned down fast food restaurants, broken into health research facilities that use animals to find cures for cancer and other killer diseases, and attacked women wearing fur coats.
Even the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon didn't slow down the Animal Liberation Front and similar terrorist groups. Since September 11 they've burned down a primate research center in New Mexico, fire-bombed a federal corral for wild horses in California, turned 1,400 mink loose on an Iowa farm, and painted swastikas on a Ronald McDonald House that serves seriously ill children and their families. The most extreme "animal rights" crusaders even offer detailed arson instructions on a web site.
Ringling Brothers is considered by many to put on the greatest circus in the world. But the trial of Mark Gebel quickly became an even bigger circus, with laughable charges of animal cruelty.
What's at stake here in the short run is the right of children and their families to enjoy the rich and beautiful circus tradition we all grew up with - seeing well-cared for elephants, tigers, zebras, horses and other animals up close, and spending quality time together viewing wholesome entertainment.
What's at stake in the long run is whether a radical and self-righteous fringe group that wants to impose its own extreme code of conduct on all will prevail against the will of the vast majority. We wouldn't stand for this in Afghanistan. Why should we stand for it in America?
Paul Driessen is senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow.
Copyright © 2001 News World Communications, Inc.
Reprinted with permission of The Washington Times.
Visit their web site at http://www.washingtontimes.com.
May 18, 2005
CCF Tells Senate: PETA Supports Terrorism
The Center for Consumer Freedom testified today before the Senate's Environmental and Public Works committee that highly visible tax-exempt groups including People for the Ethical Treatment for Animals (PETA), the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), and the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) have ties to violent organizations like the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).
Collectively, ALF and ELF have committed more than one thousand criminal acts amounting to more than $110 million in damage from arson, vandalism, and other violent tactics. The FBI has called them "our highest domestic terrorism investigative priority."
Groups like ALF and ELF receive financial support from above-ground, non-profit organizations. Our testimony today detailed how mainstream animal rights organizations support much more insidious underground operations. Here is an except from our testimony:
Those who engage in "direct action" crimes, such as starting fires, detonating bombs, threatening lives, and stalking innocent people, receive demonstrable cooperation and assistance-both rhetorical and financial-from an above-ground support system. Today I'd like to walk you through some of our findings in this regard.
A good place to start is No Compromise, a self-described "militant, direct action magazine" for ALF supporters. In 1999, No Compromise published a list of its benefactors, which included People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the Fund for Animals, In Defense of Animals, and the New Jersey Animal Rights Alliance-all groups with 501(c)(3) federal tax exemptions. The list also included PETA's president and two other PETA officers, and an activist now on the staff of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).
HSUS, PETA, and PETA's quasi-medical affiliate, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM), are troubling examples of animal-rights charities which have connections to their movement's militant underbelly. In some cases, the line between the direct-action underground and more "mainstream" protest groups is quite blurry.
Click here to read our complete testimony.
ALSO READ THIS REGARDING THE TRIAL THAT WASTED TAX PAYER MONEY AND TOOK A JURY ONLY TWO HOURS TO SEE THE ABSURDITY OF:
December 31, 2001
Making a circus of justice
By: Paul Driessen
"Animal rights" extremists who argue that cows, pigs, rats and all other animals are entitled to the same rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as people have suffered a well-deserved courtroom defeat.
The latest stunt by these media-savvy activists to advance their movement was the trumped-up prosecution of a genuine animal lover who has dedicated his life to caring for elephants - trainer Mark Gebel of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Justice and common sense prevailed when a jury in San Jose, Calif., found Mr. Gebel innocent on Dec. 21 of violating a unique California law against elephant abuse. What was the heinous alleged crime? Mr. Gebel was accused of poking an 8,000-pound elephant and causing a pinprick-size cut. He didn't do it, and jurors believed him. The jury foreman said that the case should never have been brought to court.
To think that Mr. Gebel would abuse the elephants he loves makes as much sense as thinking Roy Rogers abused his beloved horse Trigger, or that classic TV shows like "Lassie" and "Flipper" taught children to hate and abuse animals.
Mr. Gebel, 31, grew up in the circus as the son of famed wild animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams. He devotes himself to feeding elephants, caring for them, and helping them learn enjoyable behaviors.
The more you learn about the bizarre case against Mr. Gebel, the more absurd it gets. It turns out that the two people who made the allegations of animal abuse - a police officer and a Humane Society officer - never even saw Mr. Gebel strike the elephant, because their view of him was blocked by the animal.
Instead, the two women alleging abuse merely saw the elephant bolt forward when Mr. Gebel was standing beside it. This led them to assume Gebel hit the elephant.
On top of that, the Humane Society officer admitted on cross-examination that she didn't write a report about the alleged abuse until five days later, and erroneously stated that Mr. Gebel was wearing a red costume rather than the gold outfit he actually wore. And the police officer admitted in court that she has been active in the "animal rights" movement and attended a conference and workshop titled "New Tactics Banning Circuses."
Mr. Gebel's attorney, James McManis, told jurors: "The facts are, Mark Gebel did not abuse this elephant, he did not discipline this animal, he did not punish this animal."
A Ringling Brothers veterinarian who examined the elephant found no evidence the elephant was injured and offered the Humane Society officer filing the complaint the opportunity to bring in another veterinarian of her choice to examine the animal. The Humane Society officer refused and demanded prosecution of Mr. Gebel.
To understand this prosecution, you have to understand that the "animal rights" fanatics pressing this frivolous case want to put circuses out of business - along with every other industry that deals with animals.
The illogical logic of these radicals was best expressed in 1983 by Ingrid Newkirk, founder of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. A newspaper quoted Newkirk as saying: "Six million Jews died in concentration camps, but 6 billion broiler chickens will die this year in slaughter houses." Tell that to someone who lost a relative in the Holocaust.
In the elephant case, "animal rights" extremists turned to the legal system to get their way. But in other cases, zealots haven't hesitated to break the law. They've burned down fast food restaurants, broken into health research facilities that use animals to find cures for cancer and other killer diseases, and attacked women wearing fur coats.
Even the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon didn't slow down the Animal Liberation Front and similar terrorist groups. Since September 11 they've burned down a primate research center in New Mexico, fire-bombed a federal corral for wild horses in California, turned 1,400 mink loose on an Iowa farm, and painted swastikas on a Ronald McDonald House that serves seriously ill children and their families. The most extreme "animal rights" crusaders even offer detailed arson instructions on a web site.
Ringling Brothers is considered by many to put on the greatest circus in the world. But the trial of Mark Gebel quickly became an even bigger circus, with laughable charges of animal cruelty.
What's at stake here in the short run is the right of children and their families to enjoy the rich and beautiful circus tradition we all grew up with - seeing well-cared for elephants, tigers, zebras, horses and other animals up close, and spending quality time together viewing wholesome entertainment.
What's at stake in the long run is whether a radical and self-righteous fringe group that wants to impose its own extreme code of conduct on all will prevail against the will of the vast majority. We wouldn't stand for this in Afghanistan. Why should we stand for it in America?
Paul Driessen is senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow.
Copyright © 2001 News World Communications, Inc.
Reprinted with permission of The Washington Times.
Visit their web site at http://www.washingtontimes.com.
Because you did not personally see mistreatment of animals does not mean that it was not going on. Did you work in the animal dept? Or were you instead focused on your own work as ringmaster? Surely you knew about the chaining of elephants, for example. That's OK with you? And your knowledge of elephants and other animals is . . . ?
The discussion about abuse is a big one, with many facets, and is not so easily dismissed with a circus employee saying: I saw no abuse. Such a statement begs many questions, much more than it answers anything.
You urge readers to consider the charges being made and to consider their source. Likewise, consider the source of those who deny abuse is going on. Would you agree that Ringling, itself, has an interest in presenting an image of innocence and integrity? As you suggest, consider the sources of information that defend Ringling.
The discussion about abuse is a big one, with many facets, and is not so easily dismissed with a circus employee saying: I saw no abuse. Such a statement begs many questions, much more than it answers anything.
You urge readers to consider the charges being made and to consider their source. Likewise, consider the source of those who deny abuse is going on. Would you agree that Ringling, itself, has an interest in presenting an image of innocence and integrity? As you suggest, consider the sources of information that defend Ringling.
To mention a few things about a few of the accusations of this article.
A brief overview of my background with Ringling: I had gone to visit them (the Blue Show) in Fresno last week, and even helped out putting up their tent for old times sake. I also helped out giving the elephants baths and visited with many of the other animals and animal handlers. I was previously employed by Ringling up until April of this year until I had to return home to take care of my family. I was employed by Ringling for a year and a half in the Elephant department itself, and joined (with my girlfriend), with the prenotion that if ANY abuse were taken place, we would quit IMMEDIATELY and report the incidents to the Authorities! Needless to say, I stayed for a year and a half, while my girlfriend is currently managing the Exotic Animals department.
First, I will point out that it is indeed FACT that IN THE PAST, Ringling's methods of animal care and training were not the "Greatest Methods on Earth" by all of the trainers (not ALL trainers and handlers were bad, but all it takes is a select few to ruin a whole batch's credibility- "when in doubt, throw it out"). However, within the past, say 5-10 years, Feld Entertainment (owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus) have undergone MASSIVE changes in Supervising the way they treat, train, and upkeep ALL of their animals, as well as screening their handlers and trainers (many who have abused animals have been fired already- surprisingly enough, some have even joined up with PETA, claiming OTHERS were the abusers)!! The main problem that Ringling is having today, is showing the Public that they have changed their ways!! In fact, the Animal Care programs they use (ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELEPHANTS) are being consider BY THE GOVERNMENT to be the STANDARD FOR THE REST OF THE US!!!
Here are a few points about some of the accusations mentioned in the article.
* The lion that had died on its way to Fresno...Unfortunately, death is common in ALL species of life, in any which way and form! The sad part is, is that Ringling was charged based on a false accusation that the lion had died from heat exhaustion, due to a lack of water. I used to work with the man, woman, and owner who handled the lions when this happened, and the police autopsy had revealed that it was not heat exhaustion, but a flesh-eating virus! They had been fortunate enough to not lose any other lions!! Do we get to hear about these findings in the public? Of course not! Why? One word: PROPOGANDA!! Too many people have their own prenotions of the circus and the way they are treated, and organizations such as PETA and ALF are TERRIBLE at keeping these prenotions up as if they are active today! Many of their videos and pictures are 15-20 YEARS OLD!!
* Animal activists like to think that the lions are no longer in THIS show in Fresno (there are 3 main shows of Ringling that are completely separate from each other) does not have any of the lions or big cats anymore because some sort of point was made. Actually, the lions had place in the show this year, unfortunately (quite sad since they are another HUGE part of the circus experience). The format of the show did not leave time to set up an entire barrier for the trainer and the lions to perform. Also, if you've actually SEEN the show (and obviously know that it is various performers that are the "stars" of this show, posing as a family visiting the circus), then you would know that it would also be difficult to train another person to be inside with the lions! The lions we had in the past few years for this show have gone back home to Spain, along with their owner. This new show was more of a debut for a new format, thought up by Mr. Feld's daughter, Nicole (who is solely running this show on her own, I hear).
* The cats and dog's transfer cages are only used to transfer them from their tent to the arena. Yet, you don't see these activists bringing up the fact that REGULAR PET OWNERS use carrying kennels that are also around the same size to bring their pets "outside" or to the vets!
* The animals are NOT forced to do their amazing feats! One example was actually during a rehearsal in Fresno the other week! One of the cats was to run to the trainer and jump up on a pillow. When the cat was released, it sat there and didn't move...they tried picking it up and placing back down on its mark, and still nothing. The trainer then used another cat that followed the routine. This is fine for house cats, but what about the larger animals?? The larger animals are more willing to do what they do because they are MUCH MORE INTELLIGENT than a common house cat. An elephant alone can UNDERSTAND AND REMEMBER 80+ commands (in various languages as well, sometimes). Cats, birds, and dogs respond mostly to body language as opposed to verbal commands (though, some can still be trained to use verbal commands, a common house cat is generally lazy).
* About Training Elephants...The elephants have gotten the biggest attention by animal activists EVERYWHERE! As complex as Elephants are, they are also animals that follow behaviors that are congruent with ALL animals (including ourselves!). The training method used to train these animals (and ALL of the animals in the circus) is Positive Reinforcement! One way you can tell, is from the quote in the article: "...when threatened, [they] fight for their freedom, and their lives." Do some research, and you'll find that most of the elephants (especially the more recent events) that have "gone wild" to "protect their freedom and their lives" were not those owned by Ringling! The most famous of these is the incident in Hawaii- Ringling doesn't travel to Hawaii, btw.
* Bullhooks have been an object of controversy for obvious reasons. The elephants are NOT beaten into submission with them. Instead, a bullhook is meant to SIMULATE ANOTHER ELEPHANT'S TUSK PUSHING ANOTHER ELEPHANT WHEN IT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND!! I was VERY fortunate to learn to handle, and the bullhook was NEVER taught to be a weapon AT ALL!! In fact, a GOOD handler almost NEVER has to use his bullhook!! That is because elephants understand the VERBAL commands, as opposed to just VISUAL commands as many smaller animals run off of. The verbal command is given TWICE, loud enough for the elephant to hear. If the elephant does not hear the command, then the bullhook is used to maneuver the elephant into place.
* Another assumption with the bullhook, too, is that they are sharp and meant to break the skin!! Pachyderm = "Thick Skin" and the bullhooks are dulled down as to not puncture the elephants skin! This is tested on ALL bullhooks by holding the tip on your own finger, supporting the weight of the entire thing! If it punctures HUMAN skin, then it is dulled down.
* There are no electrical devices that are used, except for one: a 1/4 inch thick real of electrical wire, that is hooked up to a 12V battery. These wires are almost NEVER on except for special occurances (i.e. when safety issues for the elephants are at stake). Many times, the handlers and trainers, including myself, have been shocked by this wire as well!
* About the elephants being taken out of the wild...This, as well, has been a MAJOR controversy. However, you have to remember too, that the elephants also live LONG LIVES!! It is true that many of the OLDER elephants were taken from the wild (in excess of 40-50+ YEARS ago now!!). However, it was not Ringling that had taken out of the wild, but rather Ringling had purchased such elephants from various animal parks, circuses, zoos, and private owners! It is unfortunate, indeed, to see the Asian elephants as an Endangered Species! However, the Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC) is the SOLE PURPOSE why the circus has elephants, AND WHY THE CIRCUS CONTINUES TODAY!!! Thirty-three percent of EVERY ticket is automatically sent to support the CEC!!! Elephants require A LOT of upkeep, and its hard to keep this support (and all our efforts) up when organizatinos like PETA are taking our business away!! Ringling only owns Asian Elephants because there are less than 50,000 left IN THE WORLD, and they would like to do their part in Preserving these AMAZING animals!!!
MANY ZOOS AND ANIMAL PARKS PRAISE HOW MUCH BETTER OFF THE ELEPHANTS ARE THAN THEIR OWN ANIMAL CARE PROGRAMS!!!!! To take our business away would mean that either the elephants are to be released back in the wild (where they are Endangered and hunted) or sold to other animal parks or zoos where the Care Programs are not as Good!!
I would go over some of the other points of the article, but I have an appointment I must keep. However, these were some of the main points I wanted to get across. If you are curious about any other aspects of Animal Care with the circus, you can get CURRENT information from me. Please feel free to email me (Please no threats or accusations- I prefer to keep things Civilized). Thank You for your time!! Have an Awesome Day!!!
A brief overview of my background with Ringling: I had gone to visit them (the Blue Show) in Fresno last week, and even helped out putting up their tent for old times sake. I also helped out giving the elephants baths and visited with many of the other animals and animal handlers. I was previously employed by Ringling up until April of this year until I had to return home to take care of my family. I was employed by Ringling for a year and a half in the Elephant department itself, and joined (with my girlfriend), with the prenotion that if ANY abuse were taken place, we would quit IMMEDIATELY and report the incidents to the Authorities! Needless to say, I stayed for a year and a half, while my girlfriend is currently managing the Exotic Animals department.
First, I will point out that it is indeed FACT that IN THE PAST, Ringling's methods of animal care and training were not the "Greatest Methods on Earth" by all of the trainers (not ALL trainers and handlers were bad, but all it takes is a select few to ruin a whole batch's credibility- "when in doubt, throw it out"). However, within the past, say 5-10 years, Feld Entertainment (owners of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey's Circus) have undergone MASSIVE changes in Supervising the way they treat, train, and upkeep ALL of their animals, as well as screening their handlers and trainers (many who have abused animals have been fired already- surprisingly enough, some have even joined up with PETA, claiming OTHERS were the abusers)!! The main problem that Ringling is having today, is showing the Public that they have changed their ways!! In fact, the Animal Care programs they use (ESPECIALLY FOR THE ELEPHANTS) are being consider BY THE GOVERNMENT to be the STANDARD FOR THE REST OF THE US!!!
Here are a few points about some of the accusations mentioned in the article.
* The lion that had died on its way to Fresno...Unfortunately, death is common in ALL species of life, in any which way and form! The sad part is, is that Ringling was charged based on a false accusation that the lion had died from heat exhaustion, due to a lack of water. I used to work with the man, woman, and owner who handled the lions when this happened, and the police autopsy had revealed that it was not heat exhaustion, but a flesh-eating virus! They had been fortunate enough to not lose any other lions!! Do we get to hear about these findings in the public? Of course not! Why? One word: PROPOGANDA!! Too many people have their own prenotions of the circus and the way they are treated, and organizations such as PETA and ALF are TERRIBLE at keeping these prenotions up as if they are active today! Many of their videos and pictures are 15-20 YEARS OLD!!
* Animal activists like to think that the lions are no longer in THIS show in Fresno (there are 3 main shows of Ringling that are completely separate from each other) does not have any of the lions or big cats anymore because some sort of point was made. Actually, the lions had place in the show this year, unfortunately (quite sad since they are another HUGE part of the circus experience). The format of the show did not leave time to set up an entire barrier for the trainer and the lions to perform. Also, if you've actually SEEN the show (and obviously know that it is various performers that are the "stars" of this show, posing as a family visiting the circus), then you would know that it would also be difficult to train another person to be inside with the lions! The lions we had in the past few years for this show have gone back home to Spain, along with their owner. This new show was more of a debut for a new format, thought up by Mr. Feld's daughter, Nicole (who is solely running this show on her own, I hear).
* The cats and dog's transfer cages are only used to transfer them from their tent to the arena. Yet, you don't see these activists bringing up the fact that REGULAR PET OWNERS use carrying kennels that are also around the same size to bring their pets "outside" or to the vets!
* The animals are NOT forced to do their amazing feats! One example was actually during a rehearsal in Fresno the other week! One of the cats was to run to the trainer and jump up on a pillow. When the cat was released, it sat there and didn't move...they tried picking it up and placing back down on its mark, and still nothing. The trainer then used another cat that followed the routine. This is fine for house cats, but what about the larger animals?? The larger animals are more willing to do what they do because they are MUCH MORE INTELLIGENT than a common house cat. An elephant alone can UNDERSTAND AND REMEMBER 80+ commands (in various languages as well, sometimes). Cats, birds, and dogs respond mostly to body language as opposed to verbal commands (though, some can still be trained to use verbal commands, a common house cat is generally lazy).
* About Training Elephants...The elephants have gotten the biggest attention by animal activists EVERYWHERE! As complex as Elephants are, they are also animals that follow behaviors that are congruent with ALL animals (including ourselves!). The training method used to train these animals (and ALL of the animals in the circus) is Positive Reinforcement! One way you can tell, is from the quote in the article: "...when threatened, [they] fight for their freedom, and their lives." Do some research, and you'll find that most of the elephants (especially the more recent events) that have "gone wild" to "protect their freedom and their lives" were not those owned by Ringling! The most famous of these is the incident in Hawaii- Ringling doesn't travel to Hawaii, btw.
* Bullhooks have been an object of controversy for obvious reasons. The elephants are NOT beaten into submission with them. Instead, a bullhook is meant to SIMULATE ANOTHER ELEPHANT'S TUSK PUSHING ANOTHER ELEPHANT WHEN IT DOES NOT UNDERSTAND!! I was VERY fortunate to learn to handle, and the bullhook was NEVER taught to be a weapon AT ALL!! In fact, a GOOD handler almost NEVER has to use his bullhook!! That is because elephants understand the VERBAL commands, as opposed to just VISUAL commands as many smaller animals run off of. The verbal command is given TWICE, loud enough for the elephant to hear. If the elephant does not hear the command, then the bullhook is used to maneuver the elephant into place.
* Another assumption with the bullhook, too, is that they are sharp and meant to break the skin!! Pachyderm = "Thick Skin" and the bullhooks are dulled down as to not puncture the elephants skin! This is tested on ALL bullhooks by holding the tip on your own finger, supporting the weight of the entire thing! If it punctures HUMAN skin, then it is dulled down.
* There are no electrical devices that are used, except for one: a 1/4 inch thick real of electrical wire, that is hooked up to a 12V battery. These wires are almost NEVER on except for special occurances (i.e. when safety issues for the elephants are at stake). Many times, the handlers and trainers, including myself, have been shocked by this wire as well!
* About the elephants being taken out of the wild...This, as well, has been a MAJOR controversy. However, you have to remember too, that the elephants also live LONG LIVES!! It is true that many of the OLDER elephants were taken from the wild (in excess of 40-50+ YEARS ago now!!). However, it was not Ringling that had taken out of the wild, but rather Ringling had purchased such elephants from various animal parks, circuses, zoos, and private owners! It is unfortunate, indeed, to see the Asian elephants as an Endangered Species! However, the Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC) is the SOLE PURPOSE why the circus has elephants, AND WHY THE CIRCUS CONTINUES TODAY!!! Thirty-three percent of EVERY ticket is automatically sent to support the CEC!!! Elephants require A LOT of upkeep, and its hard to keep this support (and all our efforts) up when organizatinos like PETA are taking our business away!! Ringling only owns Asian Elephants because there are less than 50,000 left IN THE WORLD, and they would like to do their part in Preserving these AMAZING animals!!!
MANY ZOOS AND ANIMAL PARKS PRAISE HOW MUCH BETTER OFF THE ELEPHANTS ARE THAN THEIR OWN ANIMAL CARE PROGRAMS!!!!! To take our business away would mean that either the elephants are to be released back in the wild (where they are Endangered and hunted) or sold to other animal parks or zoos where the Care Programs are not as Good!!
I would go over some of the other points of the article, but I have an appointment I must keep. However, these were some of the main points I wanted to get across. If you are curious about any other aspects of Animal Care with the circus, you can get CURRENT information from me. Please feel free to email me (Please no threats or accusations- I prefer to keep things Civilized). Thank You for your time!! Have an Awesome Day!!!
Real quick, if you would have seen VIDEO of what he is doing, you'd see that the elephant was NOT SCARED AT ALL when the bullhook was by her. If it were used as a weapon, the elephant would Naturally cower away from it...However, she is getting her foot brushed off in that picture. You've got to LOVE Propoganda!!
The comments about the trained elephants being "lucky" is rediculas, its like a slave master talking about how good his indoor slaves got it. I am not a strong supporter of PETA but I am in support of animal liberation. The issue here is if we have the right to force animals into these shows, cages, chains, zoos, etc. Not just large animals but all animals. OUr society sees animals as objects for our enjoyment, as a trainer you dictate when the animal goes for a walk when and what they eat when they perform and when they got to get into the chains and cages. OH BUT WAIT! I forgot they get peticures so I guess it does make it all ok! right? An elephant walks 50 miles a day in the wild, they roam in packs, they are emotional loving creatures and you put them in an unnatural environment and apply the standards of you unnatural living and think everything is cool. The point is the animals never choose they either make it or not by your standards and the rest are off to zoos or other represive sites. If we are all really animal lovers than we have to stop seeing them as comodities and stop lifting our egos in thinking that we have the right to cage them just because we "I want to see an elephant." Who cares what you want if it means a life is going to suffer. I do not just feel this way about non-human animals but about people too. So get over yourselves you are not more important than the animals, the circus can operate without animals, and even if it couldnt, how is your needing a job justification for enslaving a life. You say the circus does not beat the elephants but i have seen them swaying a rocking nerodically, those animals are not happy and you are living blindly.
LONG LIVE THE ALF!!! Those are the only REAL animal lovers as they are people willing to sacrifice their freedom in the name of another living being, just as those who fought against slavery and genocide!
LONG LIVE THE ALF!!! Those are the only REAL animal lovers as they are people willing to sacrifice their freedom in the name of another living being, just as those who fought against slavery and genocide!
Nyte brings up a good point. In California electric shock may not be used on elephants but anyone can use it on their "pet" dog. I routinely see "pets" mistreated by everyone, INCLUDING animal activists. I think a huge percentage of pets have lives almost as bad as animals in the circus. Dogs are crated day and night, dogs are permanently chained, neglect is rampant, etc. Along with improving conditions for animals in circuses, the whole "pet" issue needs serious work!
Rather than working to protect animals in the wild you would rather confine them to a circus, animals do not belong in captivity. I agree that all animals need to be respected large animals or small, pets or in the wild. We as humans think we have to protect animals from the wild but we are actually haveing to protect them from our own greed and self interest. You can try to justify animal care in circus's verses zoos all day but it comes down to the fact that animals are living beings with there own prefrences needs and wants and we have to right to take that away, espescially in the name of profit. And if you dont think thats what the circus is about, profit, than you are REALLY nieve and blind to what is happening in the circus.
When you're employed by a circus, you literally live every facet of the life, not just your corner of the world, so yes, I not only performed with, I lived along side these creatures, as I did my fellow human co workers. You ask if I'm alright with elephants being chained? Well, let me ask you, would you rather have them roaming up and down your city? Would you like to get rid of all dog leashes and let your K-9 roam whereever, whenever? If standing on their hind legs is so unnatural, please, tell me how do they mate? I admit, that I am not an animal expert. However, Iam a man of commonsense. Animals, much like you and I have instincts. Therefore, show me an abused 8,000 pound elephants and I'll show you a number of dead trainers.
You're right this is a major issue, but you need to be open to the fact that regarding Ringling Bros, you're dead wrong. Ringling Bros. record stands for itself. The show has been around for nearly 140 years. The biggest and greatest stars of that show have been and are and will always be, the animals. These accusations are all about publicity and fund raising for organizations like PETA, who support terrorist activity. Please, explain to me, how in the hell can organizations like ELF and ALF be so zealous about the earth and animals, yet have no regard for human life?
I challenge you and everyone on here who claims to be such advocates of truth to go to Ringling Bros. and see for yourself. I have invited countless activit and sympathizers to the show when I worked there; left them tickets and everything, I even offered them a backstage tour of the animal facilities. Please, tell me why no one showed up? Before the show there is an Animal Open House where the audience gets to see the animals up close and personal. Please, tell me, would an organization that actively practices abuse open themselves in such a manner?
I agree, animals in the circus, in homes, in conservation centers and in zoos, etc. are not in their natural habitate and it is unfortunate that human negligence and greed has caused this. However, it is also true that all children should ideally be in loving homes with their birth father and mother. Yet, due to unforeseen or irresponsible circumstances they have to be raised by grandparents, foster parents, etc. The hope is that they are in the best situation possible, despite it not being the most ideal.
You're right this is a major issue, but you need to be open to the fact that regarding Ringling Bros, you're dead wrong. Ringling Bros. record stands for itself. The show has been around for nearly 140 years. The biggest and greatest stars of that show have been and are and will always be, the animals. These accusations are all about publicity and fund raising for organizations like PETA, who support terrorist activity. Please, explain to me, how in the hell can organizations like ELF and ALF be so zealous about the earth and animals, yet have no regard for human life?
I challenge you and everyone on here who claims to be such advocates of truth to go to Ringling Bros. and see for yourself. I have invited countless activit and sympathizers to the show when I worked there; left them tickets and everything, I even offered them a backstage tour of the animal facilities. Please, tell me why no one showed up? Before the show there is an Animal Open House where the audience gets to see the animals up close and personal. Please, tell me, would an organization that actively practices abuse open themselves in such a manner?
I agree, animals in the circus, in homes, in conservation centers and in zoos, etc. are not in their natural habitate and it is unfortunate that human negligence and greed has caused this. However, it is also true that all children should ideally be in loving homes with their birth father and mother. Yet, due to unforeseen or irresponsible circumstances they have to be raised by grandparents, foster parents, etc. The hope is that they are in the best situation possible, despite it not being the most ideal.
I can't answer you why activists that you invited backstage didnt' show up. I would go in a New York minute. How can I get backstage to see firsthand that Ringling is good to the animals? Please help! Thank you
ELF and ALF have NEVER hurt a human being, they release animals that are being tested on as well as targeting the TOOLS that are used to destroy the Earth, NEVER has another human being been targeted or hurt by the ALF or ELF. Second PETA sucks and trys their best to distance themselves from ALF/ELF. Again you dont know what your talking about. Again you keep trying to justify why its okay to have animals in the circus, but there is no moral reason to justify this. Circus animals have rampaged many times just as some slaves have revolted or chosen death over slavery. Others never did because their spirits have been brocken or they have been pulled away from their famillys when they where so young that the chained slave life is all they know. You have no right to control another living being in this manner. Thats what it comes down to. Its not an either or situation, you DONT use animals for entertainment and you DONT allow pouching and you activly work to make sure animals in the wild are left alone by humans. When I say you, I mean all of us. Just because we are [wage] slaves to our own system doesnt mean we need to bring all life forms down with us.
Hey......where'd you go? I would like to go backstage. Please help!!!!!!!!!!
I see the photo's of the elephant & trainer or handler with the bullhook in his hand, yea, and so what about it? The bullhook is used to guide the elephant. Plus no one should be walking an elephant without one. I used my bullhook for 8 year's & never had a problem with it & NEVER,EVER hurt the elephant. Why those huge elephant's could have smashed me to death, if they want to. Don't anyone know that a hook is a sign of respect that a elephant show's it's handler or trainer. I love elephant's, and Ringling circus is doing a GREAT job with entertaining audience's, especially kid's with the wonderful show and their happy elephant's. This just usn't America without a circus and elephant's ncoming to town once a year. Please keep up the good work.And thank=you RFingling circus for helping with the birth's of all the elephant's and helping so much with the survival of elephant's. People who talk about training elephant's isn't right, well they are completely wrong and don't kn ow a damn thning about the elephant's of today surviving. Can't wait to see the circus elephant's again soon. Sincerely, for the love of elephants, Rachael
For more information:
http://journals.aol.com/walkelephants/thes...
to paraphrase alice walker, "the animals exist for their own reasons; they do not exist to serve the interests of humans any more than blacks were made to serve whites or woman were made to serve men." here are just a few other compassionate human beings who oposed circuses, zoos, rodeos, flesh eating, animal vivisection and other vicious and cruel treatment of animals: pythagoras, plato, ghandi, cesar chavez, isaac bashevis singer, albert scweitzer and albert einstein, george bernard shaw, dick gregory, and many more (you can get a lengthy list of true humanitarians AND animal lovers along with some of their statements at the web site adaptt--two t's).
regarding chidren, i can't think of a worse possible message to convey to them than the idea that it is ok to capture, cage, chain, transport, forcibly train and display for amusement the animals that all kids start out loving. is this their first step to equivocating and to accepting certain forms of cruelty?
to you people who defend the circus, i paraphrase upton sinclair who once wrote that "you can get a person to be blind to anything as long as his paycheck depends on it." get a life; and get a job outside the concentration camp.
regarding chidren, i can't think of a worse possible message to convey to them than the idea that it is ok to capture, cage, chain, transport, forcibly train and display for amusement the animals that all kids start out loving. is this their first step to equivocating and to accepting certain forms of cruelty?
to you people who defend the circus, i paraphrase upton sinclair who once wrote that "you can get a person to be blind to anything as long as his paycheck depends on it." get a life; and get a job outside the concentration camp.
I got a life, what about you? If you have never been a friend of an elephant, which you haven't I can tell by the way you are writing about something you know 0 about. You CANNOT make a pet out of elephant's, that is for sure, but you can have them as a friend. This bullhook's and elephant show's have been going on for thousand's of year's, and people LOVE it. I suppose that you are gonna come along and change it, I think not. Rachael
P.S. If you have nothing else to do read my book. ;)
P.S. If you have nothing else to do read my book. ;)
For more information:
http://journals.aol.com/walkelephants/thes...
Now, do the "tools" that were mentioned for "bombing" (that's arson, mind you- last time I checked, it's STILL ILLEGAL) include people's homes???
Well, while I was employed by the circus, one of the Truck Drivers that LIVES in his Semi truck (one of the Nicest and Intelligent men I've EVER known!!) had his semi TORCHED TO BITS with ALF taking the "credit" for it. He was fortunate enough to be in the middle of a transition of moving his belongings into the newly opened up rooms on the train. However, he had only moved in HALF of all of his belongings. Can you imagine having someone TORCH your house, while you can only sit there and watch it burn??? I had helped him sort through the mess for ANYTHING that might have survived...what HAD survived was a tool set in the back, a couple various metal tools, and, suprisingly enough, a small stuffed Ringling Elephant. Everything he had pulled out amounted to the size of a small pull wagon.
This was this man's HOME that he LIVED in!! ALF had broken into his truck, released the brakes, and torched it!!!
There are Better ways for people to get their points across than to destroy their homes. Come to think of it, there are only 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild throughout Asia. Why is that? Because of the constant destruction of their homes and the continuous poaching!!
As I think I mentioned previously, before I joined the circus, my girlfriend and I joined with the premise that if there were ANY animal abuse going on, we would quit and report them to the Authorities. Well, I lasted for a year and a half, and she's still going! Go figure!
The point of the matter is this- this world is changing, and there are people that disregard too many aspects of not just Animal Life, but also HUMAN Life...Humans AND Animals alike are abused, caged, enslaved, murdered, etc, ALL around the world, yet I have thus far not heard of ANY complaints or bombings or protests, etc, on Orphanages, Homeless Shelters, or even Prisons. You also don't see the same opposition if a bunch Catholic school kids put on a play or some public act to raise money for their school. So what, do we as Human Animals NOT get the same Rights and Respect??? I thought ALL Life was Equal and deserved a chance to Live- even if it is with assistance. I don't know about you, but if my Family were dying, I wouldn't mind getting sent somewhere to perform some simple tricks to get myself spoiled rotten without ever having to worry about where I'm going to stay, what I'm going to eat, will I have a doctor that will look at me, etc.
You have to remember too, that when there are a LARGE MAJORITY of organizations that have elephants that DO Horrible things to their animals, it does NOT mean that ALL organizations are bad. In fact, many of the obvious public "rampages" of abused, angry, non-spoiled, etc, elephants are NOT part of Ringling's elephants!!
That's all I've got right now. I'm off to eat dinner! BTW, I had an Awesome conversation with a person that was against animals in circuses! We have opposing views, but we had a CIVILIZED discussion about the pros and cons, and the reasons behind each others perspectives. THAT'S the way it SHOULD be done, not by bombs, threats, or any sort of illegal actions (and yes, my FRIENDS in the Circus were given threats BY ALF members, no less, that they will be targetted next...I guess ALF started seeing them as "tools" too)! That's just childish, if you ask me!!
If anybody would like to have a Civil Discussion, please feel free to email me! Have a Wonderful Day!!!
Well, while I was employed by the circus, one of the Truck Drivers that LIVES in his Semi truck (one of the Nicest and Intelligent men I've EVER known!!) had his semi TORCHED TO BITS with ALF taking the "credit" for it. He was fortunate enough to be in the middle of a transition of moving his belongings into the newly opened up rooms on the train. However, he had only moved in HALF of all of his belongings. Can you imagine having someone TORCH your house, while you can only sit there and watch it burn??? I had helped him sort through the mess for ANYTHING that might have survived...what HAD survived was a tool set in the back, a couple various metal tools, and, suprisingly enough, a small stuffed Ringling Elephant. Everything he had pulled out amounted to the size of a small pull wagon.
This was this man's HOME that he LIVED in!! ALF had broken into his truck, released the brakes, and torched it!!!
There are Better ways for people to get their points across than to destroy their homes. Come to think of it, there are only 50,000 Asian elephants left in the wild throughout Asia. Why is that? Because of the constant destruction of their homes and the continuous poaching!!
As I think I mentioned previously, before I joined the circus, my girlfriend and I joined with the premise that if there were ANY animal abuse going on, we would quit and report them to the Authorities. Well, I lasted for a year and a half, and she's still going! Go figure!
The point of the matter is this- this world is changing, and there are people that disregard too many aspects of not just Animal Life, but also HUMAN Life...Humans AND Animals alike are abused, caged, enslaved, murdered, etc, ALL around the world, yet I have thus far not heard of ANY complaints or bombings or protests, etc, on Orphanages, Homeless Shelters, or even Prisons. You also don't see the same opposition if a bunch Catholic school kids put on a play or some public act to raise money for their school. So what, do we as Human Animals NOT get the same Rights and Respect??? I thought ALL Life was Equal and deserved a chance to Live- even if it is with assistance. I don't know about you, but if my Family were dying, I wouldn't mind getting sent somewhere to perform some simple tricks to get myself spoiled rotten without ever having to worry about where I'm going to stay, what I'm going to eat, will I have a doctor that will look at me, etc.
You have to remember too, that when there are a LARGE MAJORITY of organizations that have elephants that DO Horrible things to their animals, it does NOT mean that ALL organizations are bad. In fact, many of the obvious public "rampages" of abused, angry, non-spoiled, etc, elephants are NOT part of Ringling's elephants!!
That's all I've got right now. I'm off to eat dinner! BTW, I had an Awesome conversation with a person that was against animals in circuses! We have opposing views, but we had a CIVILIZED discussion about the pros and cons, and the reasons behind each others perspectives. THAT'S the way it SHOULD be done, not by bombs, threats, or any sort of illegal actions (and yes, my FRIENDS in the Circus were given threats BY ALF members, no less, that they will be targetted next...I guess ALF started seeing them as "tools" too)! That's just childish, if you ask me!!
If anybody would like to have a Civil Discussion, please feel free to email me! Have a Wonderful Day!!!
Keep elephants in the circus. There are so many successful birth's of elephant's when they have professional trainer's. Without a elephant trainer around, there may not be much succes in the births of elephants.
100% We need more elephant trainers and trained elephants for their very survival.
100% We need more elephant trainers and trained elephants for their very survival.
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