Some zoos even put humans on display involuntarily, keeping them in cages well into the 20th century. Supporters argue that animals in captivity can be used for education and research and that zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation by breeding endangered species. Numerous countries have based welfare acts that cover the treatment of animals, making their abuse a punishable crime that can lead to jail time. Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing about education, jobs, business and more for The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Todays Parent and other publications. 5/ Circus animals lead rewarding lives. 15. In China circuses and zoos are very popular, it draws almost 150 million visitors to 700 zoos. So, even though the audience may believe that the trainer is petting the dog during the show, they are actually prompting the canine with a sharp, painful pinch. , specifically tigers, these animals have. You can see exotic animals without the need for traveling. However, some circuses wont allow their animals to breed. This way, the animal learns that it must perform the task the way the trainer wants it to be performed to receive a reward. , the secret to achieving this lies in something referred to as . People take part, considering them to be fun, entertaining, artistic or cultural . On the other hand, elephants in the circus or zoo are given straw, branches, and hay. Next Pros And Cons Of Animal Cruelty They provide their animals with the best care and veterinary treatment and they make a profit from a career they love. By being featured in a circus, an animals plight or endangered position can be discussed and funds raised. Hence, obesity is not only prevalent in humans. 5. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. Just think of Gus, a polar bear kept in Central Park Zoo, who, in the mid-1990s, worried spectators as he obsessively swam up and down his tiny pool, sometimes even for 12 hours a day. Even the companies with sterling reputations can struggle to manage them when they decide it is time to be free of their confines. 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. So, if a cruelty-free circus shows up in your town, check it out and show your support. This made sense to early entertainment entrepreneurs who saw a future in large establishments that could cater to the industrial revolutions penny-pinching lower class. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens to animals in circuses? 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. 1. 4. For instance, when an animal successfully does a trick, it receives a reward (in this case, either food or water). Times have changed. Being confined to small spaces for extended periods, species such as tigers, monkeys, elephants, and ponies are denied certain natural behaviors. Another benefit of using animals in shows (as circles see it) is the profit it brings to the table. An animal circus is defending using wild animals in their shows. In May of 2017, the last elephant made treads under the legendary big top of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus due to public demand that the giant animals be retired from such grueling work in the sawdust-laden three rings of the 146-year-old circus. Together we can rescue animals from their miserable life: The wild animals commonly abused in circuses are extremely stressed by circus conditions. The co-developer of The Simpsons, Sam Simon, bought zoos and circuses and shut them down. It is crucial to realize that circuses without animals are much more fun as they do not exploit wild or domestic creatures. 5. It was once a wonder and an astonishing event that pulled people from around the country to experience together. Because the idea that wild animals belong to the circus is outdated. Since they are bred in captivity, the actions will increase the odds of survival for the overall species. 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. Often, they are confined to small spaces where they are forced to either stay sedentary or pace up and down for hours upon hours. List of the Pros of Keeping Animals in Captivity 1. Our investigations in Asia have uncovered moon bears riding motorbikes, macaques riding dogs and orangutans spinning plates. For them, it is time to rethink. Your email address will not be published. Wild animals are kept captive for many reasons - find out about the difficulties of keeping wildlife. When would someone ever see a bear wearing a costume while spinning balls with its hind feet? Seeing how animals are treated in the circus today, even if it is only as part of a zoological display, works to counteract that message. 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. Just think of Gus, a polar bear kept in Central Park Zoo, who, in the mid-1990s, worried spectators as he obsessively swam up and down his tiny pool, sometimes even for. Finally, the future of orcas in captivity is discussed with both the pros and cons of housing these creatures. As a result, many circus animals are alsounderfed to keep them hungryand eager to please. Managing exotic animals is tricky. So, even though the audience may believe that the trainer is petting the. Fish and Wildlife Service. Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. There are specific guidelines and regulations that must be followed. He would be the first to create a space where all acts, including clowns, could be brought together to perform a show. It gives certain species a better chance of survival. Animals. The Knie circus has pitched its tents in Freiburg - and promptly there Zoff: Animal rights activists accuse: lions and elephants do not belong in the ring, they say. Animals circus abuse does not only involve beatings and confinement to small spaces. Ironically, the circus doesnt care about its main attractions. From an animal rights standpoint, humans do not have a right to breed, capture, and confine other animalseven if those species are endangered.Being a member of an . The average life expectancy of a tiger in captivity is 26 years compared to 15 in the wild. Circus demands for wild animals increase the numbers of animals removed from wild. People began to fear others would mishandle and would not provide the proper care for the exotic animals in the entertainment industry causing conflict. Training techniques involve using whips and other devices to force animals to act. Circuses are always on the move, putting the animals in cages and transporting them from state to state with little shelter from the elements. [ 1] [ 2] The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. The animals involved do not have a choice in their vocation as entertainers, and frequently bear emotional and physical wounds or are killed on the job. 17. There's a good reason as to why the animals have taken a backseat, so to speak, to the talented clowns, trapeze artists and physical feats of the trained performers who now occupy the most successful circuses that continue to entertain and inspire crowds around the world. Opponents argue that animal circus acts are demeaning to animals and do not teach children how to appreciate and respect wild animals. Exotic animals perform and are exhibited in the entertainment industry for human leisure in zoos, television, movies, and live performances. 1. First,Animals in zoos are hurt and abused just to do a little old trick.They are locked and cages and beaten and starved.Next, They are all cramped in a cage together and chained up.Also,they are whipped ad smacked around to do something they do not want to do. Banning circus animals because of the case of Anne the elephant would be as ridiculous as banning children's television presenters because of Jimmy Savile. 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. As of 2011, the British government also is working a policy pertaining to wild animals in circuses. Circus animals are only performing in front of a crowd for about 1% of the day, before returning to their cramped living conditions. Creating jobs for humans has moral implications when it is at the expense of animals. 7 -Animals are kept in cages while circuses travel. The Animal Legal Defense Fund files high profile lawsuits and lobbies and advocates for stronger laws to protect animals used in entertainment. Circus elephants are known to carry tuberculous, which is highly contagious for humans as a bacterial disease. 1. 2. Circus animals receive food, shelter and veterinary care. Many animals used in circuses are bred in captivity and will spend their entire lives in close contact with humans in an unnatural, stressful environment. They aretrained with whipswhich teach them to fear the ringmaster and not attack. I was brought up to believe it was wrong for animals to perform in circuses, so I understand why many people harbour that instinctive belief. Every cat and dog owner knows their pet enjoys playing with humans, and it's no different for a horse or a lion. and stop the exploitation of all animals, particularly white tigers. Cons: -Animals are forced to do the tricks. Vicious training tactics are also used on mans best friend dogs. Sadly, the circus animals lost a dear friend and a passionate animal rights advocate. In circuses, animals are made to perform unnatural tricks which no individual would willingly carry out. 4. 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. Circus animals such as tigers and elephants are on the endangered species list. / Exotic Animals in Entertainment: the Pros and Cons Essay Sample. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. You rarely see wild elephants traveling and living all by themselves. But Animal activists have visited an animal training facilities in Suzhou. It was largely the tricks performed by dolphins in aquariums that convinced the public they were intelligent and worth saving. Zoos, aquariums, water parks, and other facilities can help to maintain the viability of endangered species when humanity does not do a good enough job of protecting the animals in the wild. According to circus cruelty facts, the secret to achieving this lies in something referred to as Operant Conditioning. Its a particular type of training method which relies on learning through rewards and punishments for specific behavior. Even though circuses in Cyprus, Greece, Bolivia, and Malta have banned the use of all animals (both wild and domestic), some countries still wont budge. Circuses are much older than that, with the Circus Maximum a critical staple of Rome during the Roman Empire. arent already Cheers! Seeing the skill and intelligence of animals at close quarters can only foster admiration and respect for other species. The Department of Agriculture will routinely inspect programs to ensure compliance with the current regulations as well. It is time to rethink the idea of having any animals in a circus. Every aspect of the animal's life, diet and accommodation is governed by strict guidelines. Barnum in 1865. Unfortunately, when the animals fight back, they are either shot or euthanized. 3/ 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. Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus. We have existing laws to deal with individual cases of cruelty. As well as the measures targeting circuses, the new law will raise the maximum penalty for mistreating animals to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($85,000), and will tighten . Hence, obesity is not only prevalent in humans. Circuses train wild animals to perform unnatural acts for human amusement. 2. This includes elephants and moon bears. The whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other tools used during circus acts are reminders that the animals are being forced to perform. And the list goes on. Nevertheless, were you aware that the abused circus animals receive poor veterinary care or none at all? Animals should not be used in a circus. Your freedom is heavier weight than economic interests or Keep the fun of the audience. Generations of people have brought their children to. . For one, the infant elephant, Kenny, was forced to perform while being sick and eventually died (as a result). Generations of people have brought their children to see wild circus animals. Two of the most common animals involved in Pet Sports are dogs and horses. The wild animals used to perform in circuses have the same needs as they would in the wild. Without question, a wild animal ban would threaten the existence of many circuses. The dull days of farming, working in sweaty factories or other menial jobs could be punctuated with a sense of wonder that the annual circus could bring to a city or sleepy town. 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. She would kill her trainer, seriously injure her groomer, and then bolt from the arena to run through the streets of the city. When the current licence expired, the ban was put into effect. Attending a circus event is a rite of passage for many youngsters. Critics argue that animals in captivity may suffer from stress and confinement and that they may not be able to express their natural behaviors. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. There were 10 additional animals removed from that container, which was noted as being poorly vented, and turned over to the custody of the local zoo. , and encourage circuses featuring only human performers! To no great surprise, there are a lot of cruel circus companies that are still operational, even though they have been cited plenty of times. Animal performances, especially those featuring exotic animals, are extremely popular and these shows are almost always sold out. Using trained animals in the circus. 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. It is vital to educate adults and children on the cruelty displayed in circuses. The circus business is all about selling as many tickets as possible, cutting corners, and ensuring that the show goes on no matter what. Arctic drilling 5. The 18-month study, sponsored by the RSPCA and published as Animals in Circuses and Zoos: Chiron's World? Today in 4Red we have been learning about animals within the circus. Zoos can help to save endangered species by keeping them in a 'safe' environment. On the other hand, elephants in the circus or zoo are given straw, branches, and hay. Tuberculosis among elephants in captivity is relatively common. Keep in mind, though, that circus performances were held close to the railway yards back in the day. 1. Bet you didnt know that most cages in which circus animals are kept while traveling are extremely small for the creature inside. Initially this is done with violence, then with the promise of food. .After watching the videos below, have . Examples of unnatural tricks these animals are forced to perform would be the common 'dancing . This can arise more danger for zoo personnel, as well as visitors. 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. Part of HuffPost News. Thats why many owners are encouraged to stop taking animals from the wild for their shows and to work with others to improve populations. In line with the definition provided by Article 4(1) of the Services Directive, travelling circuses are classified as a service, which the EU legislators have the competence to regulate pursuant to Article 114 of . A recent report commissioned by the Welsh Government concluded that "Life for wild animals in travelling circuses - doesn't appear to constitute either a 'good life' or a 'life worth living'". Circuses and other animal entertainments The animal rights answer The use of animals to entertain human beings is wrong because: it treats the animal as a means to achieve some human end. There have been seven prosecutions of circus trainers in 130 years; a tiny minority of the trainers who worked blamelessly in that time. For one, breeding tigers in captivity may decrease extinction rates. suffered greatly at the hands of their handlers. Educate Others on the Cruelty in Circuses. Pros And Cons Of Zoos . Not only that, but baby elephants are typically ripped from their mothers between 1824 months of age. But the truth is very different. Circuses around the world continue to use animals in their shows and very few countries have banned the practice. It takes thousands of years for animals to become domesticated. 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 truth about animals in circuses is that they are abused and endure lives of complete misery, while some are even poached from the wild, purely for entertainment. The company responsible for Heather also got in trouble when workers beat a baby elephant named Mickey in front of a live audience. The driving force behind her writing is her passion for sharing knowledge with others all around the world. The key to a successful experience is to provide the animals with enough space to live comfortably while traveling, and then providing an enclosure that simulates their natural habitat with as much space as possible. Animals Asia Foundation All Rights Reserved 2020, Moon Bear Hero Awards 2022 Kindness in Action, animal circuses teach our children nothing. 4 Red discussing pros and cons of using circus animals. 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. When officials found Heather, they estimated her weight to be 2,400 pounds. List of Pros of Animals in Captivity. Some circus groups are intent on preserving the specific animal species they present to the public. If you want to take it one step further, consider writing a letter to your local officials to stop cruel. It is crucial to realize that circuses without animals are much more fun as they do not exploit wild or domestic creatures. Dozens of North American cities, along with a couple of states, prohibit the use . Then there was Benjamin, a 4-year-old elephant who drowned while attempting to swim in a pond after being tortured with a bullhook. The main reason for this is that quality veterinary care is costly, and it does not benefit the budget of the circus. Zoos have existed in some form since at least 2500 BCE in Egypt and Mesopotamia, where records indicate giraffes, bears, dolphins, and other animals were kept by aristocrats. treatment is one of the most common ways trainers establish their dominance, often leading to dehydration and even starvation of the poor creature. animals in circuses pros and cons People to develop a deeper sense of empathy relationships they form bond with trainers to force animals perform. Generations of people have brought their children to co wild circus animals. Advantages & Disadvantages of External Fertilization, Self Help Group for Farmers, Pet Owners and Others Experiencing Difficulties with the RSPCA: Animals in Circuses and Zoos; Chapter 8; Dr. Marthe Kiley-Worthington; 1990, U.S. Second, animals in captivity are often subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including being fed an unnatural . Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. Animal rights activists object to the overwhelming number of animals that have died due to abusive treatment and lack of veterinary care in circuses. Alternatives to balloons and sky lanterns. The history of the modern circus starts with a man named Philip Astley. 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. Every aspect of the animal's life, diet and accommodation is governed by strict guidelines. Royalty of other ancient civilizations were fascinated by exotic animals such as the princes in Arabia and kings, queens or emperors of China, Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece, and Rome. When animal activists began protesting this form of entertainment in the 1960s, many circuses would go out of business or merge with other companies. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Over prolonged periods this can result in abnormal behaviours and health problems related to anxiety. Animals should be banned in circuses. . So, if a cruelty-free circus shows up in your town, check it out and show your support. Well, in circuses, tigers are made to perform during the daytime, and they are forced to stay awake as long as the handler wants them to. This is because of the constant travelling, the cramped transport, the small temporary housing, forced training and performance. Zoos provide opportunities for nice family trips. Bet this one caught you completely off-guard! It's important to note that the use of animals in captivity should be done with the utmost care and that the animals should be treated humanely and their needs should be met. Will you donate today and show kindness to animals who only know sadness and pain? These are actions elephants have never been observed carrying out in the wild precisely because they cause long-term damage to the animals physiology. 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. They also dine and use the restroom in the same little area. According to facts on. Is this the lesson we want to teach our children? show that Wonder Dust is used by handlers to hide beating wounds on elephants. The Radford Report in the UK found in 2006 after a six-month study of circuses, with the full participation of proponents and critics of this debate, that they were just as capable as any other captive environment to meet the welfare needs of animals in their care. Lee Xin Jie (61226) Circuses are the best known place of entertainment for children all around the world. 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. site daily, this web page is truly pleasant and the visitors are genuinely Distribute the Venn Diagram worksheet and ask students to list pros, cons, and specific examples of each as they . , lions and tigers with a white coat can only be produced by father to daughter or sister to brother. Credit: YouTube. 14. Circus life impacts negatively on animal welfare. During an August 1994 performance at the Neal Blaisdell Center in Kakaako, HI, Tyke the elephant had finally had enough. Animals in circuses develop abnormal behaviors. Sometimes the beatings are so violent that they cause the animal to bleed. Animal-free circuses are thriving, so consider going to one of them for entertainment value instead of watching animals perform useless tricks. A circus is not required to carry emergency euthanasia equipment either, which means it is up to law enforcement to deal with a loose animal instead of the caretakers. 2. The harsh reality is that elephants in captivity are kept in total isolation. Yes, indeed, all white tigers are cross-eyed. The diet of animals is extremely poor compared to the natural diet in the wild. Fortunately, there are plenty of petitions out there against. Canines, a species known for being loyal companions, are also subjected to painful training tactics, such as the pinching method. Jodi Strehlow has been a freelance writer since 1992 and has experience writing employee how-to handbooks. As an example, it is very difficult to recreate the natural environment for elephants. Whether you need to fix, build, create or learn, eHow gives you practical solutions to the problems life throws at you. 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. The loud noise of the music, the cheers of the crowd and the dizzying lights all disorientate and cause stress to wild animals . 5. It is a much different tale when you look at Indian organizations that provide elephant shows to tourists. Animals Should Not Be Used for Entertainment. Not many of us know that circuses featuring animals are actually extremely cruel to those lovable creatures. 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. 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 very few chances for them to run around, play, or socialize with others of their species. Trainers at the circus often use whips, bullhooks, and other objects that inflict pain as the primary way to train animals to do tricks. Training and performance are organised play, like throwing a stick for a dog or pulling string in front of a cat. According to law enforcement documents from Canadian and American officials, a single tusk African elephant, also of the same name, was beaten in public to the point where she was screaming and bending down on three legs to avoid being hit. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feeling the circus once provoked. Finding suitable homes for former circus animals is difficult. The most famous tiger trick entails jumping through flaming rings. Circus animals bred into captivity increase the species odds of survival.