Great minds think alike! I think that Ms. Wexler-Jonas and I should get together, as we definitely share some opinions! I've never been to a circus- and never plan to, unless for research purposes- but I've seen so many pictures and videos of cruel behaviors towards elephants and other animals that don't belong on a stage. These animals do not deserve to be treated like this!
"I have deep concern for the elephants that will be performing in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus May 8-12 in Columbus.
Circus life for elephants is grueling at its best and takes an enormous toll on their bodies. These highly intelligent animals, which can recognize themselves in a mirror and mourn over their dead, are among the most emotionally sensitive animals on the planet.
They were built to walk dozens of miles a day foraging for food. In the circus, they spend most of their days chained up in railroad cars or inside a barn. Their only real movement comes during performances that force them to do unnatural circus tricks such as standing on their heads, standing on a tiny stool or climbing on each other’s backs.
As a result, most former circus elephants suffer from debilitating arthritis, foot problems and untreated broken bones and have been known to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
A few years ago, Sammy Haddock, a former Ringling elephant trainer, sent out documents including photographs showing how Ringling uses abusive practices when training the calves. These baby elephants are taken from their mothers at a very young age and forced at the point of a bull hook to learn circus tricks.
I hope everyone who reads this will think twice before purchasing tickets to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Maybe the Greatest Show on Earth should be called the Cruelest Show on Earth."
~Wendy Wexler-Jonas
The Columbus Dispatch
April 30, 2013
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