Animals that perform in a circus are being abused plain and simple. They don't belong there. But in a zoo? They're being fed and sheltered. They get medical care and are warm and cool in the Winter and Summer. Every time I've been to a circus they look content, and always seem to be sleeping. What's the problem?
Animal love interaction with humans, it has been happening since the dawn of time. Circuses have been known to abuse animals, but these days it is fairly rare. Likewise some zoos are only interested in making money and the animals are not always given the necessary care. Our famous zoo at Regents Park (London) is state of the art. Many species are far better off than they would be in the wild. Our Woolly Monkey sanctuary down in devon is an incredible place. The Monkeys are completely free to roam. Small groups of visitors sit down is designated areas an the monkeys visit them. They will swing down, sit on people's laps, and play with their fingers. Human ears seem to fascinate them. To be admitted you have to pass a short induction. Monkeys make the rules and if someone breaks them, the results can be quite painful. Not feeding them human snacks is the strictest rule, since raw sugar, salt and chocolate, along with anything containing meat or fish can be very harmful.
Well the elephants are gone from Ringleys Barnum Circus. They are trying to eliminate the carriage horses from Manhattan. The campagain against the performing Orca is continuing. I identify with the performing orca at Miami SeaQuarium, We are all compelled to perform in tight spaces. Its the public acclaim that keeps us going not the limited compensation. The Whale is a rock star. People complaining about the confinement of Punxsutawney Phil, to me he seems a spoiled privlidged entitled little rodent.
