Hobbies And Interests
Abuse
Animal welfare organizations claim circus trainers abuse animals to force compliance with unnatural tricks. According to the Humane Society, trainers rely on beatings and electric shocks. A lawsuit filed by animal welfare groups accused Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey circus of violating the Endangered Species Act by prodding its Asian elephants with painful bullhooks. However, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey Circus "Animal Care FAQ" claims bullhooks do nothing but extend a trainer's reach. According to them, trainers and animals share a loving bond.
Circus Bans
Some communities have banned traveling circus acts that use animals. Instead, they allow only human circuses, such as Cirque de Soleil. Circus fans feel outright bans go too far, especially since the Animal Welfare Act already regulates the treatment of circus animals. However, the Humane Society says violators of the Animal Welfare Act rarely face prosecution or serious punishment. In their view, regulations have no teeth and bans are the best hope for ending circus animal abuse.
Confinement
Animal welfare activists decry the confinement of large animals such as elephants. However, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey Circus "Animal Care FAQ" points to misconceptions about the amount of exercise wild elephants need and claims circus elephants enjoy adequate physical stimulation. Still, animal welfare groups express concerns over other circus animals. The Performing Animal Welfare Society says tigers in captivity suffer from cancer, diseases and crippling declawing surgery. Finally, freeing animals from the circus does not mean retired animals return to the wild. They go to zoos or sanctuaries.
Conservation
Although circus opponents have accused circuses of importing animals from threatened habitats, Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey circus states that it follows all animal importation laws. The website for the circus also points out its conservation fundraising efforts, such as elephant tuberculosis research. Due to their years of experience, circus employees also share their knowledge with conservationists, animal rescue organizations and researchers.
Animal Retirement
Animal welfare organizations worry about the life circus animals face when they retire, but some circuses have created animal conservation sanctuaries for retired circus animals. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation cares for retired circus elephants. The circus also says it donates elephants to community zoos, where children learn to appreciate animals and the animals receive expert care.