Great British Circus 2010 without their Elephants?

[James27]

Gigi was turning around, stopped and looked stright at me. Something clicked inside me and I was gone. To me elephants are the most incredible creatures and if it wasn't for the circus I never would have had that experience.

Circus elephants often "freak" when sent to zoos to retire. They appear to miss the constant contact with handlers.

Indeed, it is something special seeing the animal/trainer interaction. I've also heard of big cats just pining after leaving a circus as they don't know what to do with them selves. They're kept a lot more active in a circus.
@Snowleopard: Antis also predict zoos will become extinct, and like Steve said that ain't happening soon

 

[ZYBen]

If it wasn't for circuses I don't believe I would of got the exposure to animals I did as a child, when we were living away from major centres, I may not be the person I am today!

 

[ChesterGemsbok]

Circuses will only become extinct if we let it happen! and saying it will is only going to make it worse! Positive attitude goes one heck of a long way in a battle (i know battle sounds harsh, but i can't find a better word, but i suppose we are fighting to keep animals in circuses) like this one. For many years i was against circuses! but after speaking to many people with and against, i now want to be an elephant trainer!

 

[snowleopard]

@Steve Robinson: you bring up some valid points, but I believe that the number of circuses with performing animals in 2010 must be a tiny amount compared to the immense number of circuses that were prolific in the earlier part of the 20th century. There are entire States, Provinces and even countries that have outright banned circuses with performing animals, but I do agree that the term I used ("extinct") might not be realistic. No matter how many changes there are to animal welfare legislation there will probably always be the occasional circus still in existence. Zoos in North America are often supported by the government and local taxpayers (which is very different to a nation like England or even your native Australia) but circuses have been weaned out to the point where it is difficult to locate a circus with performing animals in a country like Canada. They barely exist here anymore, and while not quite "extinct" there are only a handful of cities in the Province of British Columbia that even allow circuses.

 

[clm1950]

Steve Robinson - please share a link to the documentation on the "Scientific Evidence or Research."

 

[Vulpes]

Why every time the word circus is mentioned on this forum does it descend into an anti debate. Get over it guys, some agree, some don't, this all started because someone asked if elephants are touring with the British Circus. I just find it incredibly boring and very repetitive!