Each spring, the St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus performs at the Lee and Rose Warner Coliseum at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in Falcon Heights/St. Paul, Minnesota, USA.

It's time for the St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus to switch to an animal-free circus. As more people become aware of the cruelty involved in forcing animals to perform, it's only a matter of time before circuses using animals fall even further out of favor with the general public. The use of animals in entertainment has already been restricted or banned in cities across the U.S. and in countries worldwide. Society is embracing animal-free circuses.

It is impossible to train wild animals without abusing them through coercion and fear. Carden Circus Productions, the suppliers of the elephants at the St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus, is well known for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Additionally, despite a reply by the St. Paul Shrine Circus on a Google review stating they don't use bullhooks, guests documented bullhooks on site in 2023. Force is always used to train these animals to perform circus tricks because elephants and other exotic animals would never perform such acts in nature. 

Betty is a 56-year-old chronically lame elephant, likely a result of prolonged chaining and confinement. She does not bend her left front ankle, which is evident when she walks or gives rides. Betty also continually drags her trunk along the ground as she walks. It appears that she is using her trunk as a crutch to remain balanced or to hold her upright. Betty is held captive by Carden Circus International and is used for entertainment and rides around the US, and even here in Minnesota during the St Paul Shrine Circus.

Despite their size elephants are not designed for carrying people on their back which can often lead to permanent leg and spinal injuries. However, it is not just the weight on their spines – the chair or Howdah attached to their backs also rubs on their back, causing blisters that can get infected. Betty should be at a sanctuary, not performing at the St. Paul Shrine Circus.

The AAD Shrine Circus in Duluth, have already stopped using exotic animals in their circuses. Los Angeles, Dallas, St. Louis Moolah, and the Western Montana Shrine Circuses are also free of exotic animals. Shrine circuses in Canada haven’t used wild animals in years, and the Bahia, Jerusalem, and Melha shrines discontinued their annual animal circuses. The Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus has also revamped with awe-inspiring human feats.

The St. Paul Shrine Circus needs to hear from you! Let them know that you demand animal-free circuses. Sign the petition and put pressure on the St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus!

St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus
Brad Batdorf, Circus Manager
651-452-5662
manager@osmancircus.com
2750 Sibley Memorial Highway,
Eagan, MN 55121, USA

https://www.change.org/NotBornToPerform