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"The
idea that it is funny to see wild animals coerced into acting
like clumsy humans, or thrilling to see powerful beasts reduced
to cringing cowards by a whipcracking trainer is primitive and
medieval. It stems from the old idea that we are superior to
other species and have the right to hold dominion over them."
—Dr. Desmond Morris, anthropologist,
animal behaviorist, author |
Behind the scenes, elephant trainer Tim Frisco instructs would-be
trainers how to dominate elephants and make them perform circus tricks.
“Sink that hook into ’em. When you hear that screaming,
then you know you got their attention.” An elephant trumpets
in agony as Frisco’s bullhook, with its sharp metal hook and
spiked end, tears through her sensitive skin. Frisco, a Carson &
Barnes elephant trainer, learned the trade from his father, a former
trainer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Click
here to watch the video.
The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their
heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them
to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers
use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and
other painful tools of the trade.
We applaud trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and
acrobats, but let’s leave animals in peace. Sweden,
Austria, Costa Rica, India, Finland, and Singapore have all banned
or restricted the use of animals in entertainment—it’s
time for the U.S. to do the same. |
Ringling Bros.' Unsafe Handling of Elephants
"Make 'Em Scream": Watch Standard Elephant-Training Practices
Former Ringling Circus Employee Speaks Out
Help Stop Tonka and Luna From Traveling With Ringling!
On the Road: PETA's Ringling Van
Ringling Employees Tell of Bloody Beatings, Routine Abuse
Ringling Mistreats Elephants
Delhi:
Free at Last 
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