I realize that you could call me a hypocrite right now since we did take Eva to the circus a couple of months ago and she LOVED it.  I had never been to the circus before because I knew that their treatment of the animals was most likely questionable but this time we were offered free tickets so I thought “why not”?  When we arrived I immediately spotted the protesters handing out fact sheets on the cruel treatment of the animals.  I declined to take one because I did not want to know what I already feared in my heart and I wanted us to be able to enjoy ourselves.   I know that sounds incredibly selfish and it was but I did vow to investigate before I ever went to another circus and that is what I want to share with you.

Here are some facts about Barnum and Baily from investigations conducted by PETA.

http://www.circuses.com/pdfs/RinglingHiddenTruthFSetc.pdf

http://www.circuses.com/pdfs/RinglingFactsheet.pdf

http://www.circuses.com/pdfs/RinglingElephantBreedingFS.pdf

The statement that affected me the most was this…

“Elephants in circuses are bought and sold,
separated from companions, confined, chained
and forced to stand for hours, and frequently
moved about in small compartments on trains or
trucks. They are required to perform behaviors
never seen in nature. … In order to keep elephant
behavior under tight control in the close proximity,
‘hands-on’ conditions of circuses, it is necessary
for a handler to establish and maintain supremacy.
Domination of such a large animal must
unavoidably involve an element of cruelty, often
including the liberal use of an ankus—a bullhook
euphemistically termed ‘guide’ by those in the
business, a whip, or an electric prod. … The totally
unnatural existence of captive elephants in a
circus, which includes significant physical and
emotional suffering, is a travesty. To allow this
practice to continue is unjustified and unethical.”

What also sealed the deal for me is that the elephants are kept chained up, barely able to move,  for an average of 26 hours at a time up to 100 hours while traveling between cities.  I mean at least when you go to a reputable zoo they attempt to replicate the animals’ natural habitats, give them room to exercise and good veterinary care.  So there it is, do with it what you will.

Here is a list animal free circuses for your consideration.