Circus’s elephants to be retired early

The group has alleged that the Center for Elephant Conservation has a history of elephant abuse, including keeping animals in chains on concrete floors and subjecting them to the use of bullhooks and electric prods.

It has been repeatedly criticized – and even sued – by several animal rights groups, including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Humane Society of the United States.

Louise Kahle, a member of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has spent years protesting circuses, said she considers herself “optimistically vigilant” when it comes to Ringling Bros., but added she has doubts the circus will ever fully have the animals’ best interests in mind. Animal welfare advocates expressing outrage over the use of animals in the circus…especially elephants.

On March 5 previous year, Feld Entertainment announced it would be ending elephant performances by 2018, citing a “mood shift” among its customers.

UPDATE: Stephen Payne, vice president of corporate communications for Feld Entertainment, thinks this story is a one-sided piece written for HSUS.

Feld says many cities have passed “anti elephant” ordinances, making it hard to plan tours.

The statement that company released in regard to the early retirement said that extensive costs to maintain the elephants will now be devoted to focusing on conservation and pediatric cancer research. Numerous animals at the center now help with the reproductive health of the Asian elephant, which has been endangered since 1986 due to destruction of habitat and poaching.

Los Angeles and Oakland prohibited the use of bull-hooks by elephant trainers and handlers last April. In Asheville, North Carolina, it prohibited wild or exotic animals from “performing in the municipally owned, 7,600-seat U.S. Cellular Center”, according to the report.

Ringling’s new show will begin in July without the giant pachyderms.

At this point, it’s no secret that circus elephants are not treated kindly.

Since cancer is less common in elephants than in humans, studies of the creatures’ DNA are ongoing. “We took a look at the social groupings as they exist now because we totally want to create the same environment here for them”, center representative Janice Aria said. “Pound for pound, the elephants were the biggest stars of the show, but they weren’t in the show for a long period of time”, Payne explained. This will bring the total count of elephants at the location up to 42.