Deanna S. Devaul: Circus elephants should be a thing of the past
Deanna S. Devaul, Madison, Wisconsin
Deanna S. Devaul, Madison, Wisconsin
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Elephants in circuses suffer tremendously, not only physically, but emotionally.
Being whipped, chained and shocked are techniques that may be used to force elephants into performing unnatural acts such as standing on top of a rolling ball. Elephants do not perform because they want to, but because they are afraid not to.
Repetitive movements such as rocking, swaying and head-bobbing are signs of psychological distress which someone unfamiliar with elephant behavior may not recognize. Wild animals can develop a syndrome known as "circus madness," in which elephants may pose a danger of trampling if they escape, as has happened in the past.
Elephants in circuses belong in the past. Let's move forward in a more civilized, advanced society. Realize that cruelty is not entertainment and exercise a moral conscience by not attending circuses with elephants.
Being whipped, chained and shocked are techniques that may be used to force elephants into performing unnatural acts such as standing on top of a rolling ball. Elephants do not perform because they want to, but because they are afraid not to.
Repetitive movements such as rocking, swaying and head-bobbing are signs of psychological distress which someone unfamiliar with elephant behavior may not recognize. Wild animals can develop a syndrome known as "circus madness," in which elephants may pose a danger of trampling if they escape, as has happened in the past.
Elephants in circuses belong in the past. Let's move forward in a more civilized, advanced society. Realize that cruelty is not entertainment and exercise a moral conscience by not attending circuses with elephants.
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