The Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus was one of the best examples of how to do circus right. This includes their treatment of all of their animals. I have personal experience with the Blue Unit, and I can tell you that none of the trainers mistreated their animals in any way. Even if it was only for economic reasons, the animals would be well cared for because an injured, sickly or angry animal just won’t perform. I could name a few of the trainers with whom I came in contact, including an elephant trainer, a big cat trainer and a “high school” horse trainer, all of whom were men who knew and loved their animals.
For a group like PETA to misrepresent what happens within the Ringling organization was criminal. (And don’t tell me that the animals were “unhappy at being forced to perform”. A. Animals don’t think like humans and don’t feel “degraded” by performing, and B. it has been my experience that these animals love the adulation they received. They demonstrated this in their behavior.) PETA forced the circus to first stop displaying their animals (by constant and crippling lawsuits), and then close down completely because people didn’t buy tickets. Who can blame the public? After all they go to the circus to see the animals. I will miss Gunther, Charlie and Billy and the wonderful shows they used to put on. Thank goodness that some of the smaller shows are still out there.
sueb1863 almost 7 years ago
Well, considering the Ringling Bros. circus doesn’t exist any more, that’s actually a good question…
Sportymonk almost 7 years ago
Yes but I think the organization exists to continue helping animals. Just not a circus anymore. Most of the people are gone.
CeeJay almost 7 years ago
I’ll miss the circus.
Dragoncat almost 7 years ago
The Greatest Show on Earth… is over.
kab buch almost 7 years ago
For this strip unknown if Ringling Brothers is done?
JanLC almost 7 years ago
The Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey Circus was one of the best examples of how to do circus right. This includes their treatment of all of their animals. I have personal experience with the Blue Unit, and I can tell you that none of the trainers mistreated their animals in any way. Even if it was only for economic reasons, the animals would be well cared for because an injured, sickly or angry animal just won’t perform. I could name a few of the trainers with whom I came in contact, including an elephant trainer, a big cat trainer and a “high school” horse trainer, all of whom were men who knew and loved their animals.
For a group like PETA to misrepresent what happens within the Ringling organization was criminal. (And don’t tell me that the animals were “unhappy at being forced to perform”. A. Animals don’t think like humans and don’t feel “degraded” by performing, and B. it has been my experience that these animals love the adulation they received. They demonstrated this in their behavior.) PETA forced the circus to first stop displaying their animals (by constant and crippling lawsuits), and then close down completely because people didn’t buy tickets. Who can blame the public? After all they go to the circus to see the animals. I will miss Gunther, Charlie and Billy and the wonderful shows they used to put on. Thank goodness that some of the smaller shows are still out there.