FACTS

THE CIRCUS IS NO FUN FOR THE ANIMALS AND THE ANIMALS ARE DYING TO ENTERTAIN YOU

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus has an egregious history riddled with animal abuse and negligence.

Clyde, a young, healthy lion traveling with the circus, died in a poorly ventilated boxcar while the circus was traveling from Phoenix, Ariz., to Fresno, Calif., 7/14/04.

Benjamin, baby Asian elephant, age 4, removed from mother at age 1, drowned in a pond on tour stop, 7/26/99.

Sabre, Polish Arabian horse, age 15, collapsed during pre-show march on a 25 degree night; died 2/22/99.

The U.S. government charged Ringling Bros. for violating the Animal Welfare Act for inflicting rope burns to two baby elephants, Doc and Angelica, while forcefully separating them from their mothers. The babies were separated to be used in the circus; 2/9/99.

Gypsy, a 12-year-old sea lion was found dead in cargo box; died 8/31/98.

Kenny, a 3-year-old baby Asian elephant was forced to perform two shows while sick; died 1/24/98.

Arnie, Bengal tiger, age 4, was shot to death in his cage after he killed a trainer earlier in the day; 1/7/98.

Former Employee Reveals That Animals Are Trained With Abuse

Former Ringling crewmember Glenn Ewell said, "There were two baby elephants in my unit, Benjamin and Shirley, who they beat like it's a normal routine. Ringling tells people that they train with positive reinforcement. I'd love to get one of them under one of their own bull hooks and ask them if it feels like positive reinforcement to them." Whips, electric prods, bull hooks and tight collars are used to force animals to perform demeaning tricks that often make them act against their natural instincts to avoid fire and danger. A National Geographic program showed how baby elephants are 'broken" for use in circuses through repetitive chaining and daily beatings until the screaming elephant is broken in spirit and fearful of humans.

CONFINEMENT, CONTROL, and TRAVEL

Most circuses, including Ringling, are on tour for at least 48 weeks a year. Forced to travel in freezing cold and sweltering heat, in cramped trucks or train cars, animals eat, sleep, and defecate in small cages for most of their lives. Others are chained by their necks or legs to keep them from moving freely. These dismal conditions often lead to physical and/or psychological trauma. Stress-ridden animals are prone to illness. They often exhibit noticeable symptoms of neurosis, such as chronic rocking, head bobbing, pacing, and self-mutilation.

DANGER TO PEOPLE

Pushed too far by years of confinement and cruelty, animals often lash out against their captivity. In Feb.1999 in Poughkeepsie, NY, an elephant in Royal Hanneford Circus broke out of the ring and ran into the audience. Eyewitnesses described that a trainer repeatedly whipped her because she did not do a trick demanded of her. Luckily, no one was seriously hurt, but it is unknown what happened to the elephant. Since 1985, over 150 people have been killed or seriously injured by captive elephants who broke free from their handlers or restraints.

WHICH WOULD YOU PREFER? CAPTIVITY OR FREEDOM?

In their natural homes in the wild, animals are free to roam, socialize, forage, hunt, and form families. Elephants walk 20-25 miles a day in herds. They bathe to keep cool, and bury their dead family members. A lifetime bond exists between members of the herd. Lions, bears, zebras, elephants, and other animals care for their young and live a natural life. In the circus, these animals are chained, caged, frightened, and beaten for our "entertainment."

YOUR CHOICE MATTERS!!

Do you want to support this mistreatment of beautiful, majestic animals? If we stop attending animal circuses like Ringling Bros., such circuses would be unable to continue these cruel practices. Please take your children to enjoy circuses without animals (see below). Many localities, such as Stamford, Conn.; Redmond, Wash.; and Marin County, Calif., have taken steps to end this savagery by banning or restricting circuses with animal acts. Sears made a choice by ending their four-year sponsorship of Ringling Bros.!

Attend circuses that use only human performers, such as Cirque du Soleil, Pickle Family Circus, Circus Oz, and Circus Chimera. Educate others to do the same.

Call David Checketts, Pres. and CEO of Madison Square Garden at 212-465-6772 and ask that he no longer sponsor Ringling Brothers.

Tell Ringling why you are boycotting them and that you will choose circuses that don't use animals.

Write: Ringling Brothers & Barnum & Bailey Circus, c/o Feld Entertainment, 8607 Westwood Center Drive, Vienna, VA 22182.

Teach your children to appreciate wild animals in their natural environment and to protect and preserve their habitat.

Choose circuses without animals!