Protesters Draw Attention to Ringling's Violent Treatment of Baby Elephants
For Immediate Release:
September 14, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Portland, Ore -- A costumed "elephant" will lead PETA's, Portland Animal Defense League's, and In Defense of Animals' (IDA) contingent of protesters on Thursday as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus prepares for its opening show at The Rose Garden. The protesters will display signs that read, "This Is Ringling Baby-Elephant Training," alongside banners emblazoned with compelling photos taken inside Ringling's training center. The photos expose how baby elephants used by Ringling are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. These abusive sessions go on for several hours a day in order to force the baby elephants to learn to perform circus tricks out of fear of punishment.
When: Thursday, September 15, 12 noon
Where: The Rose Garden, northeast corner of Wheeler Avenue and Multnomah Street, Portland
"Portland residents would run screaming from the big top if they knew how baby elephants are violently forced to perform difficult, confusing, and sometimes painful tricks," says PETA Director Delcianna Winders. "We're telling parents that if their kids love animals, the last place they should take them is the circus."
For more information, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.