, obesity is one of the leading health issues these creatures have to endure. It was started in London by horse-rider Philip Astley, and although the global success of Cirque du Soleil proves circus can flourish without animals, surely there should be room in the land of its creation for a few well-run and regulated shows that keep alive the entertainment in its most pure form, with a mixture of human and animal acts. , the first circus elephant was sold to the notorious P.T. These are actions elephants have never been observed carrying out in the wild precisely because they cause long-term damage to the animals physiology. Before TV and the Internet, the circus was the only opportunity for most people to contemplate some animals such as lions, monkeys, and elephants. Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Only 4% of them get to live a life outside of cages and chains when living in this situation. Jodi earned an Associate of Arts in social and behavioral sciences from Merritt College and a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from San Francisco State University. The oldest still operating zoo in the world, Tiergarten Schnbrunn in Vienna, opened in 1752. Generations of people have brought their children to co wild circus animals. Hence, we can deduce that captive tigers are, in fact, more afraid of their handlers than the flaming rings. Madison Steffey . Now, do you remember Disneys animated movie Dumbo? In circuses, animals are made to perform unnatural tricks which no individual would willingly carry out. So, if a cruelty-free circus shows up in your town, check it out and show your support. 6 - An exhibit could be brought near you. in Journalism from UNLV. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feeling the circus once provoked. Even though all these animals are subjected to painful training methods, it seems that elephants have it worst. Whats up its me, I am also visiting this She was six years old, so she was almost 1,600 pounds off of her ideal weight. 2. animals in circuses pros and cons People to develop a deeper sense of empathy relationships they form bond with trainers to force animals perform. The 18-month study, sponsored by the RSPCA and published as Animals in Circuses and Zoos: Chiron's World? which depicts the treatment of large animals. Their efforts create jobs for trainers, handlers, dancers, entertainers, and many others who might not be able to use their creative efforts in other ways. to such a great extent that they may start losing their hair, teeth, or both due to high levels of mental and physical stress. In fact, some upsetting data has shown that calves undergoing the so-called breaking process are usually chained for about 23 hours every day. Constant travel exposes the animals to heat exhaustion. Circus elephants are known to carry tuberculous, which is highly contagious for humans as a bacterial disease. List of Pros of Animals in Captivity. Having investigated the matter in great depth for my book, Circus Mania, I changed my mind and would like to present 10 reasons why the show - with animals - should go on. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Even though circuses in Cyprus, Greece, Bolivia, and Malta have banned the use of all animals (both wild and domestic), some countries still won't budge.\n\nThe US, France, and the UK are at the top of the list of countries that still use animals in shows. We can all agree that white tigers are truly breath-taking creatures and a pleasure to look at. If you want to take it one step further, consider writing a letter to your local officials to stop cruel circus shows in your area. as part of a . are heavily beaten and mentally tormented for our pleasure. Cons: In some cases, animals are abused or mistreated and travel in cramped and filthy conditions. 8/ No other profession is judged by the actions of individuals. , specifically tigers, these animals have. Circus animals receive food, shelter and veterinary care. It is crucial to realize that circuses without animals are much more fun as they do not exploit wild or domestic creatures. does not only involve beatings and confinement to small spaces. To make things presentable, the circus handlers use a substance designed to quickly heal infected lesions and sores. Seeing how the circus is constantly on the road, it is only natural to see animals with severe sores and bruises all over their bodies from repeatedly rubbing against the bars of the cage. are highly susceptible to tuberculosis due to constant, stressful transportation conditions and poor water quality. Animals in the wild are endangered by human predators and shrinking habitats, and live short, dangerous lives. Efforts need to be made to encourage circus owners to breed animals to maintain captive animal populations and reduce the number of wild animals removed from their natural environments. He used a 42-foot diameter ring for his tricks, and that has been the standard size used by the circus ever since. Circuses that operate in the United States must also report deaths to the Fish and Wildlife Service. Registered charity no.219099. China has banned . Bet you didnt know that most cages in which. Part of HuffPost News. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. Well, the extreme frustration and the increased mental stress exhibited in animals in captivity, popularly. Since 2000, there have been over 35 serious cases of elephants escaping circuses and running wild through city streets. Wild animals are kept captive for many reasons - find out about the difficulties of keeping wildlife. The animals would often be overworked, beaten until they were willing to submit, and forced to live in confined conditions while trying to balance below average food supplies and irregular feeding schedules. Hence, they are forced to eat, defecate, and sleep in the same confined space. Here are the facts about circuses: This is the million-dollar question. It is crucial to realize that circuses without animals are much more fun as they do not exploit wild or domestic creatures. Naturally, the constant beatings can leave ugly and painful wounds on the body that are not appealing to the visitors. They are stripped of their natural habitats, and most may never see their families ever again. The modern ways to train their animal is absolutely different with the olden ways. The loud noise of the music, the cheers of the crowd and the dizzying lights all disorientate and cause stress to wild animals. Or watch an elephant balance on a ball as it leads its pace to a water source in the savannah? If you see animals who start swaying as they stand, bob their heads frequently, or have incessant pacing, then that is an individual who requires an immediate professional intervention to improve their health. 96 percent of circus animals are kept in cages for 11 months of the year. Canines, a species known for being loyal companions, are also subjected to painful training tactics, such as the pinching method. There are several arguments and benefits in favor of animals in captivity, some of which include: There are several arguments against animals (drawbacks) in captivity, some of which include: Pros and Cons of Neutering an Australian Shepherd, Pros and Cons of Rhode Island Red Chickens, Pros and Cons of American Staffordshire Terrier. Circuses should not be allowed to capture wild animals for entertainment purposes because the animals are abused, the populations are decreasing, and the animals don 't have enough freedom. Fortunately, there are plenty of petitions out there against animal cruelty in the circus. I'm not sure who was surveyed in the oft-mentioned 'public consultation' that found 95% of respondents supported a ban, but it wasn't circus fans. There are about 2,800 licensed animal exhibitors throughout the U.S., which include zoos, circuses, petting farms, wildlife and marine mammal parks, and some sanctuaries. The reason being that elephants are group animals that thrive in herds, typically composed of. The loud noise of the music, the cheers of the crowd and the dizzying lights all disorientate and cause stress to wild animals . 5. On the other hand, elephants in the circus or zoo are given straw, branches, and hay. Visitors are not only entertained, but also educated. Required fields are marked *. RSPCA 2023. Carson and Barnes Circus supports its own herd of retired elephants in Oklahoma. The conditions in which animals are kept in captivity can vary widely, with some facilities providing large naturalistic enclosures and proper care for the animals, while others may provide inadequate space and care. She graduated with a B.A. The sooner people realize this, the better. Animals are trained using "carrot and stick" policy. When working with exotic animals people learn from them and they can learn life values such as compassion. Animals keep dying because zoo keepers and owners can not take good enough care of the animals, or have the time to feed the animals, or take the time to take good care of the animals. Animals in circuses develop abnormal behaviors. These days they call it 'enrichment.'. Explain to students that the use of captive breeding programs and species-survival plans is controversial and they will explore both sides of the issue. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Even then, any animal that is forced to do tricks as a way to generate applause is one that is being potentially abused for the sake of human income. Analyzes the pros, cons, and my viewpoint on whether the use of animals for entertainment or gaming constitutes animal cruelty, or if it is justified for cultural and/or economic reasons. Pros. Circus life impacts negatively on animal welfare. Tigers are semi-nocturnal creatures, but they are forced to stay awake during the day. Jodi Strehlow has been a freelance writer since 1992 and has experience writing employee how-to handbooks. Circuses with wild animals are strictly regulated by a licensing scheme, introduced in 2012, that sees them inspected by vets six times a year (twice unannounced) with the results available online. of elephants held in captivity is lameness and foot issues. And the list goes on. If you want to take it one step further, consider writing a letter to your local officials to stop cruel. suffered greatly at the hands of their handlers. Not to mention that this process goes on for generations on end. Opponents argue that animal circus acts are demeaning to animals and do not teach children how to appreciate and respect wild animals. Animals are locked up and abused. Yeoh Zhi Cynn (62962) 2. 1. 2. According to upsetting facts on circus cruelty, lions and tigers with a white coat can only be produced by father to daughter or sister to brother inbreeding. You can see exotic animals without the need for traveling. Companies get to continue operating despite frequent violations. He instantly became the biggest star (both literally and figuratively) of the show. The loud noise of the music, the cheers of the crowd and the dizzying lights all disorientate and cause stress to wild animals. It is transmitted through the air, placing anyone that comes in direct contact with the ill animal (whether it be another elephant or human) at serious risk. 1. The problem with many animal-based circuses is that they run on tight budgets and take shortcuts on the care they must provide. There are many types of animal sporting events, with varying levels of participation from humans. 4. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. Yet, did you know that tigers are naturally terrified of fire? 1/ The Radford Report found no grounds for a ban. Many of the animals used in circuses are bred in captivity. By the late 19th century, lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and other animals from overseas would travel the United States, performing shows on a large scale with zoological exhibits as a marketing point. Pros: Trained animal acts are entertaining and can educate people about different species. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Were you aware that tigers are actually semi-nocturnal creatures that are only active during the nighttime? Animals. While the rules have changed and large animals are no longer used in circuses, many animals continue to be presented to further the education of circus attendees. After being diagnosed with colon cancer, Simon joined forces with PETA in drawing up a list and helping as many animals as he could before he passed away. show that Wonder Dust is used by handlers to hide beating wounds on elephants. There are specific guidelines and regulations that must be followed. Of course, from the audiences perspective, the show might seem like an awe-inspiring performance starring some of the most exotic and wild creatures known to man. [ 1] [ 2] The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. The history of the modern circus starts with a man named Philip Astley. The circus business is all about selling as many tickets as possible, cutting corners, and ensuring that the show goes on no matter what. 7. This is because of the constant travelling, the cramped transport, the small temporary housing, forced training and performance. The circus business is all about selling as many tickets as possible, cutting corners, and ensuring that the show goes on no matter what. China has banned animal circuses and Bolivia has banned live animals from travelling circuses. Animals all over the world need more care, more safety and more room to play with their type of species. It is not unusual for them to become depressed and despondent in a slow, downward spiral that can eventually lead to self-harm behaviors or attacks against humans. 4. 1. circuses and running wild through city streets. there have been over 35 serious cases of elephants escaping. Yes, indeed, all white tigers are cross-eyed. People paid their hard-earned coins to hawkers who promised a moments entertainment. Wild animals. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. The wild animals used to perform in circuses have the same needs as they would in the wild. This unrealistic context creates a disconnect between nature and humanity, perpetuating the notion that it is acceptable and enjoyable to exploit animals for our own entertainment. 13. He simply refused to do a trick and wanted to leave the arena. In Vietnam, weve seen species which are protected by national and international lawperforming in circuses. For example, you can transport wild animals: for veterinary treatment or for re-homing. Even when the animals are not performing, they are typically locked up in rusty chains. But Animal activists have visited an animal training facilities in Suzhou. This conclusion brought the organizations closer to that of zoos from a legal perspective, especially when an 18-month study sponsored by the RSPCA found that animals dont suffer stress during healthy training, performance, or transportation. 17. However, some circuses wont allow their animals to breed. Unless government officials follow up inspections, nothing gets done to protect the animals from abusive situations. This can be very stressful for them. When the current licence expired, the ban was put into effect. Lets cut to the chase. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. Most of them are highly educated people who are specifically trained to provide the best care possible. Sheila Lehrke, the animal issues coordinator for the International Professional Rodeo Association, has a brochure full of rules and guidelines for handling livestock that govern all association. But when Stanley Johnson and a group of politicians delivered a petition to 10 Downing Street on Wednesday, calling for a ban on wild animals in the big top, I wondered how many of them had first-hand experience of how circuses care for their animals. Often, they are confined to small spaces where they are forced to either stay sedentary or pace up and down for hours upon hours. 9. Pros And Cons Of Zoos . It was the American format that brought exotic animals into the circus industry. Training and performance are organised play, like throwing a stick for a dog or pulling string in front of a cat. The industry relied on animal trainers, showmen, and itinerant performers who would perform at local fairs. Animal cruelty circus facts also reveal that the leading cause of euthanasia of elephants held in captivity is lameness and foot issues. The easiest way to search for these petitions is by doing quick online research and by showing at least a tiny bit of support. The conflict would interfere with the livelihood of . Yet, if it fails, the trainer restrains from giving out anything. You rarely see wild elephants traveling and living all by themselves. and stop the exploitation of all animals, particularly white tigers. Defenders of animal circuses also argue that seeing animals perform is a form of education which raises awareness and appreciation of wild species. Horses, elephants, lions, and the like have been integral parts of circus performances and one of the main reason why the circus became so popular. Fortunately, this article will attempt to expose the extreme horror that is the animal circus and what goes on behind closed doors (or, should I say cages). By being featured in a circus, an animal's plight or endangered position can be discussed and funds raised. These enraged elephants attacked pedestrians, destroyed buildings, and even severely injured some people. Ever wondered why larger animals such as bears, tigers, and lions keep pacing back and forth in their cages? , and encourage circuses featuring only human performers! treatment is one of the most common ways trainers establish their dominance, often leading to dehydration and even starvation of the poor creature. That means they spend most of their lives in close contact with humans. 2. Circuses are just as capable as zoos for caring for animals. during the show, they are actually prompting the canine with a sharp, painful pinch. Even though Cholita has gained her freedom, she still carries the brutal scars of her time in the circus. Among the reasons why animal zoos and circuses should be banned is that they confine the animals being trained to a specific place. From my observations at ringside, it's the only form of entertainment where the under-fives are guaranteed to enjoy themselves as much as their grandparents, making it a cheap day out for all the family. Canines, a species known for being loyal companions, are also subjected to painful training tactics, such as the pinching method. Sadly, the circus animals lost a dear friend and a passionate animal rights advocate. There are a number of reasons why animal captivity is a problem. Circus animals are only performing in front of a crowd for about 1% of the day, before returning to their cramped living conditions. Animals in Circuses and Zoos: Chiron's World. Not many of us know that circuses featuring animals are actually extremely cruel to those lovable creatures. Your email address will not be published. 8. Unfortunately, this was the case with Cholita, an Andean bear illegally kept at a famous circus in Peru, now thriving in the wild. . Zoos stopped animal performances to distance themselves from circuses, but have reintroduced them because animals benefit from the stimulation. This means it's now an offence to use wild animals in travelling circuses - whether through performance or exhibition. Finding suitable homes for former circus animals is difficult. The animals are confined to a relatively smaller space and it doesn't make a good impact on their well being. / Exotic Animals in Entertainment: the Pros and Cons Essay Sample. These events may have been educational and exotic in the past, but it is also a challenge to escape the possibilities of cruelty in this atmosphere. -Animals are kept in cages while circuses travel. Your email address will not be published. is relatively common. Most importantly, Simon managed to shut down some circus companies and even protested against the Ringling Bros. to take. Circuses train wild animals to perform unnatural acts for human amusement. Based on circus animal abuse facts, torture and cruelty do not end with wild animals. . Travelling circuses are still allowed to transport wild animals while they are in England. Zoos can help to save endangered species by keeping them in a 'safe' environment. Hence, obesity is not only prevalent in humans. According to a survey conducted on 62 elephants of Asian descent and 5 elephants of African descent across three separate circus companies and five different zoos, the animals displayed signs of lameness, chronic arthritis, and other rheumatoid disorders. Generations of people have brought their children to see wild circus animals. Proponents claim that there is evidence that animals enjoy performing and that they form bond with trainers. Britain's last big cat trainer, Thomas Chipperfield posted a video diary on YouTube to demonstrate how this works in practice. same gene responsible for the white coat is also linked with the optic nerve, wiring it to the wrong side of the brain. Animals Asia does not support the use of any animals including dogs in circuses due to widespread abusive training techniques and poor living conditions. Animals in the wild are endangered by human predators and shrinking habitats, and live short, dangerous lives. This disadvantage is one of the primary reasons why the largest circus companies stopped using elephants and other animals in their shows ultimately forcing some of them to go out of business. This disadvantage is one of the primary reasons why circuses around the world have been responsible for over 100 injuries and several fatalities. Why Animals Zoos and circuses Should be Banned. Seeing the skill and intelligence of animals at close quarters can only foster admiration and respect for other species. Restricting animal use in a circus show could be viewed as an infringement on an individuals right to enjoy animal acts. and many more. Circuses are much older than that, with the Circus Maximum a critical staple of Rome during the Roman Empire. Big cats learn to obey commands because they're afraid of being whipped. Starter Debate Lessons. sharing nice thoughts. The arguments for zoos. Sadly, this circus animal treatment is one of the most common ways trainers establish their dominance, often leading to dehydration and even starvation of the poor creature. Circuses, zoos, aquariums, dog fighting, hunting, fishing, horse racing, bullfighting all of these practices keep animals in captivity and use them against their will for human entertainment. The circus is a cultural tradition in the United States and throughout the world. Plus, attending the circus is a chance to witness some of these creatures in real life, but the wild animals are also trained to present the craziest tricks out there. Finland: Ban on the use of apes, predators, elephants, hippopotami, marsupials, rhinoceroses, seals, crocodiles, predatory birds, ostriches, wild forms of ruminant or equine animals. Some cultural traditions are founded upon animal exploitation for entertainment purposes. According to a new study conducted by AAP, as many as 89% of the exotic animals they rescued from European circuses suffered from mental or physical trauma. Sometimes they even harm themselves. Circus animals age and eventually outgrow their usefulness. Big cats do what theyre told to avoid pain. Have students list positive and negative aspects of each in a worksheet. Circuses travel nearly year-round, in all weather extremes, sometimes for days at a time. Circuses: Pros: -Entertainment/amusement -Education -Animals are kept safe/ healthy with regimented food and medication that they wouldn't get in the wild. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the federal, state, and international laws that affect circus animals. Animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. 10/ The circus is a 250-year-old art form that Britain gave to the world. Here you can find a list of the most popular circus animals: Lions Tiger Elephants Giraffes Rhinos Hippos Bears . Circuses, aquariums, and zoos have . Even though zoos put immense effort into replicating their natural habitat, it still won't be the same. 4/ Circuses aid conservation through breeding programmes and by raising awareness. Jumbo, the worlds largest circus elephant, was hit by a train after being led to his stall after a show. Azizah binti Abbas (55559) 3. Thats why it is so rare to see this opportunity but it does exist if youre willing to look for a circus that behaves appropriately. 9/ A ban on circus animals would be the thin end of the wedge because animal rights campaigners have a wider philosophical agenda than animal welfare. Circuses Elephants, tigers, and other animals that circuses use to entertain audiences do not stand on their heads, jump through hoops, or balance on pedestals because they want to. Some of them travel for 11 months of the year in trailers or railroad cars with no climate control. Hermina believes that every day is a chance to learn something new about the obscure world around us. Although the UKs Government pledged to ban them in 2012, the individual Conservative MPs still repeatedly block the bills. Animal trainers use bullhooks, whips, electric prods, and uncomfortable collars to force the poor creatures to do tricks. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by the law. If you were wondering which kinds of conditions these entail, check out the following. Animalsin circuses are also subject to it. Also, some trainers even drug the creatures or remove their claws and teeth to make them more tame.. Unfortunately, circus elephants are highly susceptible to tuberculosis due to constant, stressful transportation conditions and poor water quality. While the circus created jobs for singers, dancers, entertainers, clowns and misfits who could levy their socially awkward physical appearance for a livelihood, it presented a challenge for the animals. When the show stops, the animals typically return to isolation in small, barren cages which give them no opportunity to carry out behaviours natural to their species, or to interact with their own kind. , torture and cruelty do not end with wild animals. Circuses around the world continue to use animals in their shows and very few countries have banned the practice. Posted on 21 December 2020 at 8:55AM by Dan H. As a New South Wales government inquiry into exotic animals in circuses releases its report, failing to recommend a ban on breeding and forcing wild animals to perform, PETA has released the results of a survey on the issue with one clear message: Australia wants a ban on these cruel acts. Nevertheless, were you aware that the abused circus animals receive poor veterinary care or none at all? After being diagnosed with colon cancer, Simon joined forces with PETA in drawing up a list and helping as many animals as he could before he passed away. The most famous tiger trick entails jumping through flaming rings.