Washington, D.C., January 15, 2017 — Born Free USA, a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation, has welcomed the announcement by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus that, after 146 years of wild animal shows, it will close performances this year altogether. This move finally ends the circus’ exploitation of wild animals from lions, to tigers, to kangaroos. The company seems to have been compelled to make this important change due to declining ticket sales after decades of sustained public pressure from compassionate citizens nationwide and newly-enacted city ordinances protecting wild animals from mistreatment.[teaserbreak]
According to Adam M. Roberts, CEO of Born Free USA, “The animals used in Ringling Bros.’ shows have languished in captivity day after day, year after year. They have been forced to travel the country in cramped transport cages, endure unacceptable training methods, and climb on stage under bright lights in front of loud crowds. They have had to live and behave utterly unnaturally, and it is absolutely time to respectfully retire them to live the remainder of their lives in peace.”
Roberts adds, “Born Free USA is pleased that Ringling Bros.’ parent company has said it would assist in job placement for its human performers. We are ready to assist in recommending placement of their animals in humane forever homes, particularly those that meet the high standards of the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. Ringling Bros. has earned millions off the backs of these magnificent wild animals—literally—and it’s time that the company donates some of that money to the lifetime care of its wild animal retirees. At a time when SeaWorld is moving away from the performing orca business and Ringling Bros. from the performing animal business, we hope this signals an end to animal entertainment and that other circuses will follow suit. No wild animal should be held in captivity and forced to perform for public entertainment and corporate greed.”
Born Free USA is a global leader in animal welfare and wildlife conservation. Through litigation, legislation, and public education, Born Free USA leads vital campaigns against animals in entertainment, exotic ‘pets,’ trapping and fur, and the destructive international wildlife trade. Born Free USA brings to America the message of ‘compassionate conservation’: the vision of the UK-based Born Free Foundation, established in 1984 by Bill Travers and Virginia McKenna, stars of the iconic film Born Free, along with their son, Will Travers. Born Free’s mission is to end suffering of wild animals in captivity, conserve threatened and endangered species, and encourage compassionate conservation globally. More at www.bornfreeusa.org, www.twitter.com/bornfreeusa, and www.facebook.com/bornfreeusa.
Media contact: Rodi Rosensweig, publicrelations@bornfreeusa.org, (203) 270-8929