Circus winter quarters.

[Steve Robinson]

I have been to animal circuses before and i wasnt against them just thought the cat enclosures could of been bigger.

Its quite intimadating with all the protesters espcially last time i went because i knew some of them lol.

That's the way that they operate. Unable to sustain a discussion based on fact, they attempt to intimidate people and brow beat them into their way of thinking.

Fortunately, in a democracy, the will of the majority ultimately prevails.

If you go, and decide that you don't want to go again, that is your right.

But these people don't have the right to stop you from going in the first place.

 

[reptile1517]

Do any other of our older members remember which Circus used to have its permanent winter quarters(and 'zoo') near Bracknell (or was it Windsor) in Berkshire? Was it Bertram Mills?

You could visit for a modest charge and watch the Lions being trained in permanent rings, see them in their cages and also see all the other circus animals too. I cannot remember other species well except Elephants and a big cage of Rhesus monkeys. It was a good idea as it was interesting, made them some money in the off season and showed that their training methods were open to public scrutiny.

Anyone know when it closed down?

It was Billy Smart's Circus that had it's winter quarters there. Whenever the Circus stopped touring, that's when the place closed down.

 

[Vulpes]

Ive seen elephants in circuses and although im not anti circus I think its humiliating for the animals. lions and tigers are not so bad as they are always in fantastic condition but when you see a 40' trailer rocking to and fro because a bored elephant is chained inside its quite heart wrenching. I remember going for a walk on the beach with 2 African elephants and an Asian elephant when I was younger and the circus came to town. I have to say there cant be too many zoo elephants that can claim to have been allowed the same freedom. there are arguments for and against.

 

[mark77]

You'll never be able to make an informed decision unless you go and see for yourself.

Before you go, put out of your mind all the emotive clap trap being peddled by the AR people. Propaganda spouting armchair experts.

Remember that an RSPCA funded investigation by an ethologist and a British Parliament investigation by experts BOTH concluded that animals in circuses were not disadvantaged by that lifestyle. You can go and see for yourself with a clear conscience!

Although in agreement it has to said that proganda spouting armchair experts can be found on both sides of any pro/anti debate.

 

[Kifaru Bwana]

I agree with Steve Robinson on this one too. A most sensible approach.
Indeed emotional clap-trap usually gets the draw and becomes the PR story norm, not the real issues or the practice at work.

 

[James27]

I think that the animal lib crowd are eventually going to run out of ammo due to forever improving animal welfare standards in both zoos and circuses.