Performing elephants are denied all that is natural to them and are forced to endure beatings, electric shock, food and water deprivation and intimidation.
Cruel circus: Betty the elephant, owned by Carden Circus, is
made to stand on her face with her feet up in the air while the
circus performer has her feet tucked in a strap that is tied tightly
around the elephant's jaw and behind her ears, which are very
sensitive areas. This is a very unnatural movement for an elephant
and causes much distress. (Photo credit: Gigi Glendinning)
No matter what political views or affiliations people in the United
States might have, most of them would agree that animal abuse is
just plain wrong. Animals who are kept in captivity or are forced to
perform in circuses are subjected to some of the worst kinds of
abuse. Among all these animals, however, elephants suffer the most
in captivity as they are highly intelligent and social beings,
according to experts, and have complex physical and social needs
that cannot be met in any circus or zoo environment.
“Elephants who are kept in small enclosures are in increased danger
of developing chronic foot disease and arthritis, both of which lead
to frequent instances of death for captive elephants,” according to
Dr. Toni Frohoff, a biologist and behavioral ethologist. “In fact,
the most common reason for premature death of captive elephants is
lack of space and standing on hard and/or otherwise inappropriate
surfaces.”
Many people are unaware that circuses are still part of the American
culture. The closing of the infamous Ringling Bros. and Barnum &
Bailey Circus in May 2017 did not mark the end of cruelty
perpetrated on elephants, who are forced into captivity and made to
perform in circuses. Between 25 and 30 traveling circuses, which
include caged wild animals, continue to travel and operate in the
United States. There are currently more than 60 elephants and
hundreds of other animals still being used for human
entertainment....
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