Urge Honolulu Not to Host Cruel Animal Circuses
Action Alert from All-Creatures.org

FROM

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
August 2014

[Note from All-Creatures.org: See VICTORY - Moscow International Circus Suspends Animal Acts]

ACTION

Nearing the 20th "anniversary" of Tyke's murder, please urge the Blaisdell Center and the Moscow International Circus to put animal welfare and public safety first by leaving all wild animal acts out of the show.

Sign an online petition here

And/or better yet, make direct contact:

Tuffy Nicholas
Producer, Moscow International Circus
phone (941) 320-9491
fax (808) 768-5433

Neal S. Blaisdell Center
(808) 68-5400

Post a comment on the Blaisdell Center's Facebook page 

INFORMATION / TALKING POINTS

Tyke Honolulu circus elephant
click to enlarge

Just before an August 20, 1994, circus performance at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, Tyke, an African elephant, killed a trainer, seriously injured a groomer, and fled the arena, running through the streets of Honolulu for more than 30 minutes. After law enforcement shot Tyke with 86 bullets, she collapsed dead in the street. This tragedy broke hearts across the country, united animal activists, and became forever symbolic of circus tragedies. Now, for the first time since Tyke's death, the Blaisdell Center is planning to allow a circus with wild animal acts to return to the venue.

The Moscow International Circus is scheduled to perform at the Blaisdell Center from October 3 to 5, and while the circus says that it is leaving elephant acts out of its show, other wild animals—including big cats—will be included. Captive big cats kill an average of one person every year in the United States and injure 10 more. Even the best, most experienced handler cannot predict a wild animal's behavior. Remember the tiger attack on Roy Horn of Siegfried & Roy?

The use of big cats in circus acts is not only dangerous but also cruel. Lions and tigers don't naturally jump through fiery hoops or balance on their hind legs. They are beaten into submission and forced under the threat of punishment to perform these unnatural and confusing tricks. Whips, tight collars, muzzles, and sedation are often used to control the animals, and they are punched, kicked, whipped, and screamed at when deemed "uncooperative." When intelligent, frustrated animals rebel against abuse, they attack trainers and sometimes lash out at bystanders, which the Blaisdell Center witnessed when abused and frightened Tyke fought back.


Thank you for everything you do for animals!


Return to Action Alerts

Other information you may find useful for your activism

Find area codes
Find zip codes