NO ELEPHANTS, BEARS, CATS?
NO CIRCUS!
Paul Ingrassia

In the seemingly endless list of changes with which we Americans must contend of late: American cars not made in America; “Solid” banks disappearing; Jobs for all who wish to work; Inexpensive fuel; Ample and dependable government services, and so much more, now appears the very real possibility, that the two hundred and fifty year old traditional entertainment we know as “circus” may be forever changed.

The changes demanded by so called animal “rights” groups require that a circus be presented without bears, cats, monkeys and, unbelievably, without elephants! Dogs and horses appear to be acceptable at the moment. Even the recent use of a porcupine found no current objection by these self appointed arbiters of what we are permitted to enjoy. Horses, wisely deemed untouchable by animal rights supporters, are virtually without any notable dissents. Horse owners, of course, unlike circus owners, as a group are generally politically powerful, financially comfortable and often affluent. Horse owners, their associations and events are a strong and basic component of American history and life. Any attempts to molest them or the many traditions associated with them would result in a near nuclear response, which would easily gallop over the paltry and often senseless reasoning that organizations like PETA present. Their frequent offensive against KFC does in my mind beg the question, why were chickens put in this world?

I have told you nothing you do not already know. Anyone who reads the periodicals that will print this column already knows that we are loosing the battle to sustain the traditions that include circus performances by performing animals. Elephants, the very symbol upon which the industry is known and identified by, appear to be soon only presented by very well financed owners and events. The highly admirable and successful work of the Feld Entertainment/Ringling Bros. organization in sustaining the Asian elephant breed is cursed rather than praised by the opposition. New York’s Central Park Zoo is being castigated after spending more than twelve million dollars to house and present three snow leopards. The Zoo by the way is the only place in the world where this nearly extinct species is preserved, as proven by the more than fifty cubs that have sustained the snow leopard population in Zoos throughout the world.



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It is my opinion that a circus without cats, elephants, dogs, and horses is no circus. When these elements are present, the audience is assured of a memorable and unique entertainment. Without them, the presentation often assumes a routine format that can resemble an amateur athletic event. Lets be frank, not every non animal show is a Cirque du Soleil Given what appears to be the success factor of many such small presentations, the chance of “circus” surviving in the form we know and love is pretty remote.

You know that just to keep the board even, someone has to appear, object and argue on behalf of the use of performing animals in exhibitions and shows. Circus owners, fans and friends often do so and are effective against the enormous, well-financed opposition. But who will appear in the absence of a highly visible situation. The answer has often been the Outdoor Amusement Business Association, (OABA). The organization has tried with the resources it could provide to support the pro animal cause and the cases being made or defended by various entertainment units. This effort is expensive and requires commitment and hard work that frankly can only be offered in the quantity which the OABA Performing Circus Animal Fund can afford. As the entire fund is provided by donations, which have declined as the industry has suffered, it is now time for all of us who admire and respect the cause to help.

The 2009-2010 donation campaign has begun with a performing ZEBRA as its symbol.

Contribute at least twenty dollars to the OABA and we will provide you with this pin. Send fifty or more and ShowTime magazine will note your donation in this OABA publication for the rest of the year. Checks should be made payable to OABA CIRCUS FUND, and sent to OABA, 1035 S. Semoran Blvd, #1045A, Winter Park, FL 32792.

Think about it. NO ANIMALS IN A CIRCUS! Perhaps that means NO CIRCUSES!