With everything seeming to be “circus” themed, such as Britney’s album, Britney’s Circus tour, Britney’s donations to a “clown” themed children’s hospital fund, our economy… What better time than now to shed light on real “traveling” circuses, and ‘what really goes on‘. You know, the kind of circus you probably attended as a child, like The Shriners Circus, The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey etc.
These circuses have the animals in cages, lions jumping through fiery hoops, people swinging around-we all know this original kind of circus. It was fun right? It was so cool to be a child and see lions jumping through fire and elephants standing up on 2 hind legs. Exciting right?
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It’s all fun and games until That 70′s Show actor Wilmer Valderrama recently flew into Puerto Rico to promote his new PETA advertisement. Tackling this serious issue pertaining to ‘circus animal abuse’, “urging parents not to take their kids to any circus that uses animals”- just in time to catch The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey act which is set to debut in San Juan.
Wilmer explains why he doesn’t want the show to go on: “As an actor, it’s my job to entertain people. Nobody forces me to perform, but sadly, animals in circuses aren’t so lucky,” says Valderamma, whose ad will air in both English and Spanish. “Animals aren’t willing performers, so please don’t ever take your family to a circus that uses animals.”
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), released this statement on their thoughts about circus animal abuse:
“Circus trainers force elephants, bears, tigers, and other animals to perform tricks by using whips, electric prods, and bullhooks (devices resembling fireplace pokers, with sharp steel hooks at the end). When they’re not in the spotlight, the animals are kept chained or locked away in cages, deprived of everything that’s natural and important to them.”
Do you think it’s wrong for animals to be in show biz? OR do you think the animals enjoy being in a circus? Would it even be a real circus without animals?
To learn more about animals and the rights they have to freedom, go here: http://circuses.com/