A recent Herald editorial (“Those elephants in the room”) made a number of claims about elephants with Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey Circus ahead of our return to Everett this September that call for correction.
The commentary began by describing Ringling Bros. as a “relic” of a bygone era. This could not be further from the truth. Ringling Bros. is indeed a time-honored tradition of live family entertainment in the United States, performing for 144 years, but it is also a contemporary form of entertainment that the entire family can experience together. Each year, millions of people come to see amazing circus performers, both human and animal, at our shows all across the country. And the number one reason our fans cite for attending — our elephants and the other animals that can only be found at The Greatest Show On Earth.
The editorial was correct that elephants are highly intelligent, complex animals. We agree and believe that our first priority is meeting the health and social needs of this magnificent species. We have a team of full-time veterinarians, veterinary technicians and animal caregivers who oversee our elephants’ care and well-being. As a result, our elephants live significantly longer than their counterparts in zoos or in the wild.
Another area where the editorial falls short is its description of the elephant husbandry tools we use. Our animal care providers do indeed use bullhooks, which the editorial attempts to demonize. Responsible management of any animal involves maintaining proper control to ensure its safety as well as that of others. It is a responsibility we take very seriously. Ringling Bros. handlers must remain in control of the elephants. This is the recognized, appropriate and proper use of the bullhook, as outlined in the Elephant Husbandry Resource Guide, which was published by the International Elephant Foundation, made up of experts in working with elephants, and endorsed by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This guide sets forth science-based industry standards for the safe and humane care and management of elephants. It’s not only Ringling Bros. that supports the responsible use of bullhooks but also the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the Elephant Managers Association and even the United States Department of Agriculture, which inspects circuses, including Ringling Bros., for compliance with the federal Animal Welfare Act.
As for our use of tethers, the characterizations made by the Herald editorial that suggests our elephants are constantly chained is again, not true. Tethers are used at night and during transport for the safety of the animals. And just like bullhooks, tethers are an accepted and appropriate tool for working with elephants, and are similarly approved by the AVMA and other professional organizations.
Perhaps what is most troubling about the editorial is its complete ignorance of the real threats facing the Asian elephant and what Ringling Bros. and others are doing to help. Sadly, there is little to no “wild” left in the world. Asian elephants are highly endangered and under near constant pressure in their native countries from habitat loss and conflict with humans. The Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation is indeed just that — a conservation facility dedicated to the survival of the Asian elephant species. At the Center we have scientists and veterinarians working to prevent and cure diseases that ravage young elephants, as well improve the care of elephants everywhere. And a portion of each and every ticket to a Ringling Bros. performance goes towards helping elephants in not just this country but around the world.
For example, our partnership with the island nation of Sri Lanka, which has one of the largest remaining wild populations of Asian elephants, helps both wild and captive elephants in that small yet densely populated country. That assistance is rooted in our decades of experience working with elephants in the circus. Without the circus, our programs there would not be possible.
There are some extremists for who believe elephants are better off extinct than in captivity and that defines their agenda when it comes to our elephants. We are completely opposed to this view and work tirelessly to prevent it. I encourage Herald readers and all the families of Everett to come see for themselves that our elephants are well-cared for and that the only way this species will survive is through the conservation programs of organizations like Ringling Bros., and through the continued support of circus fans everywhere.
Stephen Payne is vice president, corporate communications, for Feld Entertainment, Inc.
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