Since the early 1900s, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circuses have been known for mistreating animals, specifically the Asian elephant. The Asian elephant is one of the second largest land mammals and one of the most intelligent on earth which makes it a unique and suitable training animal in the eyes of circuses. Today the Asian elephant is one of most endangered animals in the world. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circuses need to stop the mistreatment of elephants in the circus business. There is a huge number of evidence and violations broken by this circus. People need to be aware of what is going on so that next time they go to the circus they know the animals are paying the price for their own entertainment. First I am going to talk about how these elephants are abused. Second I will talk about some testimonies given by former employees of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Third I will give you some ways you can help stop this cruel abuse.

            How are these elephants being abused? Elephants in Ringling’s possession are chained inside poorly ventilated and cleaned boxcars while the circus is traveling. Former Ringling employees spoke out to PETA, a nonprofit organization that defends animal rights, and reported that elephants are repeatedly abused and beaten with bullhooks, an elephant-training tool. A bullhook is used to force elephants into preforming tricks for the circus. This hook is used to poke the elephant’s skin with intent of harm. Elephants have some sensitive areas in their bodies that if beaten with the bullhook, may cause serious discomfort and pain. At an early age circus elephants are trained to know bullhooks inflict pain and if a certain task isn’t completed. According to PETA’s informational website about the Ringling Bros., since 2000, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Ringling numerous times for serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), such as improper handling of dangerous animals, failure to provide adequate veterinary care to animals, causing trauma, behavior stress, and physical stress to elephants, failure to test elephants for tuberculosis, and unsanitary feeding practices.

            Former employees of this franchise have recently come out and spoken about the tragedies that occur behind closed doors. Archele Hundley, a former Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus employee teamed up with PETA to get the word out about the elephant beatings during their time with Ringling. In one statement she gave PETA she said, “I saw handlers deliver a beating…for 30 minutes. She was covered with bloody wounds. I’ll never forget her agonizing screams,” says Hundley and added “Please, never take your children to a Ringling Bros. circus.” Frustrated by years of beatings, bullhooks, and shackles, some elephants snap and rebel against their trainer’s physical dominance. According to data released by PETA, an elephant named Tyke killed her trainer and injured 12 spectators before being gunned down while running terrified through downtown Honolulu. Tyke was shot almost 100 times in order for her to go down. This ongoing abuse against elephants must stop in order to protect not only the well-being of elephants but human-beings as well.

            Ways you can help stop animal abuse? There are very simple steps you can do to support this movement. The simplest step is not to attend or participate in any Ringling related activities. Ringling’s audience is you and without that they have nothing. We can change these unnecessary harmful routines Ringling has embedded into their training methods. You can sign this petition in order to let Ringling and all of its backers know that animal abuse against preforming elephants and other animals must stop.

            Anyone can make a difference. Just being aware of how elephants are abused, reading testimonies, and taking steps to stop abuse gives you a different perspective on Ringling Bros. and their practices. This abuse against these endangered elephants must stop and we are the only ones who can stop it. I hope now you are more aware of what really goes on behind the illusion that is Ringling Bros.