Elephants are famous for their intelligence, unique personalities, and familial bonds. Unfortunately, though, some elephants don’t get to follow their natural instincts and instead are forced to perform for people.
Two circus elephants named Sita and Mia are a good example of this.
Brasília (AFP) - Mara, an Indian elephant rescued from an Argentine circus, arrived at an animal sanctuary in Brazil Wednesday to start a new life at 50-something -- beginning with a celebratory frolic in the dirt.
Mara, who weighs around 5,500 kilograms (more than 12,000 pounds), spent much of her life as a circus attraction, then was brought to the Buenos Aires Zoo in 1995.
Tokyo, Japan - Japanese elementary school children enjoyed a dynamic performance by a troupe of 'unwanted dogs' on Wednesday when the Wow Wow Dog Circus came through town with the aim of educating youngsters on the responsibilities of pet ownership. Jumping rope, balancing on balls and crossing narrow balance beams the furry friends brought smiles and laughter to the students of the local public school located in Tachikawa city on the outskirts of the greater Tokyo metropolitan area. Beginning with a short 10 minute speech about dog shelters and statistics on the numbers of canines abandoned each year in Japan, organizers provided the young attendants with both education and entertainment. Impressed by what he learned one 6th grader said he didn't approve of people who abandoned their pets. "I really felt those people that abandon their dogs and don't take responsibility for them, that's not a good thing," 12-year-old Tokutaro Takahashi said. His classmate, Keito Aoki who also had a chance to jump rope on stage with man's best friend agreed. "For me it is unforgivable! From the moment you buy one, until it dies, that is our obligation," Aoki said. The Wow Wow Dog Circus aims to educate young people about the responsibilities of pet ownership and encourage them both as children and later as adults to adopt animals from shelters in preference to buying them from pet shops. "To understand the value of life, while they are still kids, to let them know what the situation in Japan is in the hope that they will pass on what they learned to others. That is the main focus of the program," said dog trainer Kayo Takeda. In contrast to some other nations the concept of 'doggie adoption' or animal rescue is still relatively unknown in Japan. Most pet owners purchase animals from local pet shops or kennels. "Compared to a country like Germany the number (of adoptions) is way too low, more and more we need to use the system (for adopting abandoned dogs). The sales at pets shops are very high (in Japan), but overseas the thinking to adopt a dog is much more prevalent. I'd like to hope that Japan will move forward in that direction," Takeda told Reuters. In Japan 100,000 dogs are abandoned and destroyed every year.
Nabisco's parent company redesigned Barnum's Animal Crackers boxes to show the animals roaming free — and not in cages — after pressure from PETA. These cookie critters are tasting freedom. After spending 116 years behind bars, the majestic beasts on boxes of Nabisco Barnum’s Animals Crackers are no longer being depicted in lock-up. Nabisco’s parent company, Mondelez International, redesigned the snack's packaging in response to pressure by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA, which has denounced using animals in circuses, wrote a letter to Mondelez in the spring of 2016 calling for a redesign, according to AP. “Given the egregious cruelty inherent in circuses that use animals and the public’s swelling opposition to the exploitation of animals used for entertainment,” PETA wrote to the food giant, “we urge Nabisco to update its packaging in order to show animals who are free to roam in their natural habitats.” Mondelez agreed and started working on a makeover. Rebooted cookie boxes, which declare “new look, same great taste,” are on U.S. store shelves now. The new boxes have the same lettering and color scheme, but a zebra, elephant, lion, giraffe and gorilla wander side-by-side outside, instead of being confined in circus boxcars. To read more on this story, click here:Nabisco Animal Crackers Boxes Got A Makeover And Now The Animals Are Roaming Free
Legislation that Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed Thursday forbids their use in those and other entertainment events. The prohibition does not kick in for two years. “Once again, New York State is proving to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves,’’ said state Sen. Terrence Murphy, a Westchester County Republican and the Senate’s bill’s sponsor. He credited advocacy from students with Pace University’s Environmental Policy Clinic. Animal rights advocates for years have protested the use of elephants in circuses, citing what they said were cruel treatment of the animals and conditions that can dramatically shorten their lifespans compared with elephants in the wild. Ringling Bros.’ circuses were among the key targets of advocates pushing for the elephant ban. The company closed last spring after 146 years in business with company officials saying the final nail was a sharp drop in ticket sales after it stopped putting elephants in its performances. “Elephants have been exploited and abused in entertainment acts for too long,’’ said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a Westchester County Democrat who sponsored the bill in the Assembly. The Elephant Protection Act that Cuomo signed carries a financial penalty of up to $1,000 for violations. It bans the use of elephants in entertainment acts at circuses, trade shows, carnivals, parades or other such events. Tracy Reiman, executive vice president of PETA, an animal rights group, said the new law brings New York "one step closer to a day when the only performers in circuses are willing human ones who can go home to their families at night."
San Bernardino, California - Hundreds of spectators watched the fight break out when workers allegedly tried to stop the activists from forcing their way inside after the Ramos Bros. Circus show began. Two protestors were arrested following the melee, while two circus employees were injured when the fight broke out at 8:08 p.m., according to a San Bernardino Police Department spokesman. Ringmaster, Oliver Ramos claimed his lip was split after he was hit on the face with his megaphone in trying to keep protestors outside. "All of a sudden when I turned around one of them jumped on top of my uncle - he's over 68-years-old - and they started beating on him and I reacted," Ramos said. "When I pulled them off they hit me with a megaphone in the face and all these ladies started scratching me on the face." However protester Nicholas Shaw-McMinn claimed they were protesting non-violently, and that protesters were the ones attacked by the circus workers. LA Kings' Jarret Stoll Arrested for Possession of Cocaine and Ecstasy "Employees locked us on the property and wouldn't let us leave. They assaulted... multiple protestors, some with weapons," Shaw-McMinn said. He also claimed one of the workers placed him in a choke hold during the clash. The activists, who said they are members of the Direct Action Everywhere group, provided video which showed them protesting outside the big top before the melee. The Ramos Bros. Circus website boasts that the show features "animals from all over the world," showing images of lamas, camels and horses. Ramos said he does not mind activists protesting on the street but wants them to stay off the property where the circus is performing. He also believes something has to be done to prevent further clashes occurring. "These people are just crazy fanatics… it has to stop. These people are getting out of hand," Ramos said. However it seems they will not be staying away, as more than 100 protesters are expected to show up for more demonstrations taking place Saturday. The "Protest Ramos Bros. Circus" Facebook page says: "Traveling animal acts perpetuate animal cruelty, inhumane care, public safety hazards and distorted images of wildlife. "As compassionate animal lovers we must stop animal entertainment and extend our love to all animals. Animals are not our (sic) to use, they are not our property; they are beings that desire the same freedoms as us." It also claims circus animals are trained using methods such as whipping, hitting, poking, and shocking with electrical prods.
Tacoma, Wash. (AP) - Boris the 29-year-old polar bear is eating only soft foods for a while after having surgery to remove three broken or decayed teeth at a Washington state zoo.
The 880-pound bear who lives at the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, didn't have to sit in a dentist's chair for the procedure. Boris sprawled out on a table as veterinarians and support staff extracted his problem teeth Friday.
Rancagua (Chile) (AFP) - As the enormous lion prowls atop the roof of the safari vehicle, his pale pink tongue licking out from his massive jaws, delighted passengers snap pictures and reach out to touch him.
This apparent violation of the number-one rule at most zoos -- don't pet the animals -- is encouraged at Parque Safari in Chile, a sanctuary for mistreated circus animals that turns the traditional zoo-going experience on its head.
Hope, Maine (News Center) - The man who established a sanctuary for retired circus elephants in Maine was found dead. Dr. James Laurita, who founded Hope Elephants, apparently died while caring for those elephants.
The State Medical Examiner Dr. Flomenbaum said that the injuries Dr. Laurita sustained are consistent with an elephant stepping him. Dr. Flomenbaum said the elephant did not go berserk, but it was an accident.
Knox County Sheriff's office said the investigation shows Dr. Laurita had fallen and was on the ground when the elephant stepped on him. He suffered multiple chest fractures and died of asphyxiation. Someone at the sanctuary found him and called 9-1-1.
Hope Elephants wrote on their website:
"Hope Elephants is deeply saddened by the death of our founder, Dr. Jim Laurita. Jim's passion for all aniamls, especially elephants, was boundless...It was through education that Jim passed on his passion and the importance of wildlife conservation."
Laurita began his love affair with elephants in the late 70's when he worked for a regional circus. In fact, the two elephants at the sanctuary in Hope, were those he took care of while working for the circus.
It is too soon to determine how Laurita's death will affect the sanctuary and the future of the elephants. Laurita was 56 years old.
(To subscribe to The Pet Tree House, click on this icon
in the black drop-down menu on your right. Thank you.)
on Twitter @thepettreehouse
Visit my new blog! The News Whisperer, An informative blog of what's going on in your world today!
at: www.whispersoftheworld.com
