Traveling Circus

This week a local institution is bringing a traveling circus to its grounds.

Many towns and counties in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin have banned wild animal displays in circuses.

There is a reason for this. In traveling circuses, wild animals cannot move around or exercise naturally. They live their whole lives chained or tied up, or in small cages that fit on the back of a truck. Investigations show that violence to control animals is part of circus culture: animals are beaten, whipped and electric shocked to make them perform tricks. 

This local institution could just as easily bring an animal-free circus to its grounds for the enjoyment of families, renowned circuses such as:

Cirque Éloize, which weaves traditional circus thrills into narratives, creating a dramatic, sophisticated blend of theater and circus.

Lazer Vaudeville, which dazzles audiences with high-tech black lights, lasers, and magic.

Circus Finelli, which features female clowns.

Circus Luminous, which features a flying trapeze, elaborate choreography, and a turn-of-the-century look.

A full list of animal-friendly circuses is available at this site: www.mediapeta.com/peta/pdf/animal-free-circuses-pdf.pdf. 

Perhaps next year this institution will consider bringing an animal-free circus to its grounds so that all members of the community can attend.