Each year, The Big E and many other state fairs around the USA, use petting zoos for the entertainment of children and families. The Big E utilizes many animals in their display, including a regal elephant, confined to chains and forced to walk in a mindless circle carting children on its back. Little do many realize, elephants are extremely intelligent creatures, capable of emotion and reasoning.  A recent article in Scientific American states: "In the past 10 years.. researchers have realized that elephants are even smarter than they thought... Scientists now have solid evidence that elephants are just as brilliant as they are big: They are adept tool users and cooperative problem solvers; they are highly empathic, comforting one another when upset; and they probably do have a sense of self." No animal, let alone an intelligent being, should be subjected to this type of torture and humiliation. Please, let us spread the word about the cruelty of the petting zoo practice, especially the use of exotic animals for human entertainment. It is barbaric and shameful. Let's hope we can convince The Big E to abolish this practice during their fair.

Update: I'd like to bring this issue to the attention of our Massachusetts government officials, in hopes to pass legislation to restrict the use of exotic animals in state fairs, pettings zoos; as well as ban traveling elephant acts in the state. It's time to enter the 21st century. Let's treat all animals with the same dignity and respect they deserve.