Once again, animal rights activists are using our return to Everett to distort Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey’s excellent record of animal care. Everyone at Ringling Bros. takes great pride in presenting quality family entertainment to audiences across the country but animal rights activists continue to take photographs of elephant training techniques and use them to level spurious charges against Ringling Bros.’ dedicated team of animal care professionals. It’s time we set the record straight.
Ringling Bros. is proud of its human and animal partnerships and the physical and behavioral needs of our animals are a top priority that can be seen in every city we visit. The health and vitality of our animals is something we showcase at each and every Ringling Bros. performance.
Ringling Bros. also meets or exceeds all federal, state, and local animal standards. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) conducts regular unannounced inspections of all federally-licensed zoos and circuses to ensure compliance with government regulations and policies, and Ringling Bros. has never been found in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Additionally, Ringling Bros. has made a lifetime commitment to the Asian elephant. In 1995, the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation was established to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to experience this magnificent yet endangered species. Since 1992, we’ve had 24 Asian elephant births and have the largest sustainable population of captive Asian elephants in the Western Hemisphere. This is a major step in the conservation of this highly endangered species. In short, when it comes to our animal performers, we are truly committed to their care and well-being, and their continued survival.
Animal activist groups will no doubt continue to distort the care and commitment we have for all of our animal performers. Rather than take what they say at face value, we invite Everett families to come see for themselves how the animals are thriving at The Greatest Show On Earth.
Janice Aria
Director of Animal Stewardship
Ringling Bros. and Barnum &Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation
Polk City, Fla.
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