For more than a hundred years, elephants were a major attraction for traveling circuses, including the renowned Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus.
However, what was once hailed as the “Greatest Show on Earth” had a darker side for the captive animals.
Animal rights organizations such as ASPCA and PETA raised concerns about the treatment of elephants in these circuses, citing poor conditions and mistreatment of the animals.
In 2015, Ringling Bros finally phased out the use of elephants in their performances, retiring the former circus elephants to an elephant sanctuary.
This week, 12 ex-circus elephants have been welcomed to their new abode – and they seem delighted to be off the road.
These elephants, aged between 8 and 38 years, had toured with the Ringling Bros. & Barnum & Bailey shows but will now reside for the rest of their lives at the White Oak Conservation reserve in Yulee, Florida.
Freed from a life of confinement and performances, these elephants will have the freedom to roam in the sanctuary, crafted to mimic an elephant’s natural habitat.
“We are delighted to offer these elephants a space where they can wander and discover,” stated Mark and Kimbra Walter, the benefactors of the reserve.
“While we strive to protect wildlife in their native habitats, for these elephants unable to return to the wild, we are pleased to provide a comfortable lifelong home for them.”
Conservationist Michelle Gadd, leading the initiative, expressed her joy at seeing the former circus elephants thrive in their new surroundings.
“Many children dream of running away to join the circus,” she told CBS News. “Well, I was that child who dreamt of freeing all the animals from the circus.”
“These animals shouldn’t be exploited for rides or tricks. All they need is to be among their kind, living where they belong – nothing could be more beautiful than that.”
As part of the effort to remove elephants from circuses, the former Ringling Bros elephants were relocated to the Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida. However, as per CBS, the non-profit organization Walter Conservation bought the elephants last autumn to transfer them to a more spacious reserve.
During their journey to the new location, they traveled 300 kilometers in special vehicles, accompanied by veterinarians and specialized caretakers, as informed by White Oak.
Upon arrival, they wasted no time exploring their new environment.
“Witnessing the elephants adapt to their new habitat was an incredible sight,” shared Nick Newby, the team leader at the sanctuary.
“I was overjoyed to see them come together, support one another like wild elephants do, and explore their new surroundings. Witnessing them swim for the first time was truly remarkable.”
“It’s evident that they’ve established a sense of hierarchy,” commented Gadd to CBS News.
“They gathered in a new group by the fence, demonstrating support for one another. They trumpeted, interacted with each other, and engaged in natural elephant behaviors such as touching and intertwining their trunks.”
Meanwhile, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus have permanently closed their doors, with their final show taking place on May 21, 2017.
We are thrilled that these elephants have been liberated from the circus and now have the opportunity to live freely in a natural environment alongside their fellow elephants.
If you share our love for elephants, spread the word about this wonderful news!
