Ringling Bros. Phasing Out Elephant Acts

The days of seeing elephants under the big top are coming to a close.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has announced its intent to stop using the creatures in its acts by 2018, according to ABC.

The decision was prompted by the public’s growing concern about treatment of the animals, the network reported.

“A lot of people aren’t comfortable with us touring with our elephants,” Alana Feld, executive vice president of Ringling’s parent company, Feld Entertainment, told the network.

“This decision was not easy, but it is in the best interest of our company, our elephants and our customers,” Kenneth Feld, chairman of the company, said in a statement.

See Also:

• Circus: PETA Playing Politics with Animal Abuse Allegations
• Tempers Flare as Animal Activists Protest Circus

The 13 elephants that remain in Ringling Bros. shows will be relocated to the circus’ Center for Elephant Conservation by 2018, USA Today is reporting. The Florida center is home to more than 40 other elephants.

The center was created in 1995 to serve as a place to help save “the endangered Asian elephant for future generations,” Kenneth Feld said.

Ringling Bros. has been under fire in recent years about its use of elephants in shows. In 2009, the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) released a video that allegedly documented mistreatment of elephants. It has since launched a website dedicated to convincing Ringling to pull elephants from its acts.

Feld Entertainment fired back against the 2009 allegations.

“Ringling Bros. is committed to ensuring the absolute best for its animals and those who care for them, including correcting any perception that may contradict our dedication to the care and management of the largest herd of Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere,” Janice Aria, Director of Animal Stewardship and Training, was quoted at the time as saying.

PETA says Ringlings’ announcement is cause to “pop the champagne corks and rejoice,” but contends there shouldn’t be a phase out, rather it should happen “now.”

While elephants will officially leave the big top, Ringling intends to continue using other animals in its shows, ABC reported.

A call to Palmetto-based Feld Entertainment from Patch was not immediately returned.

More updates as they become available.

Photo from Ringling Bros.’ Facebook page

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