Ringling Bros. moves up the date for retiring its elephant acts
It was about a year ago that Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus announced it would retire all Asian elephants from its traveling shows by 2018. The decision was prompted in part by increased scrutiny of the circus group’s treatment of its elephants following the release of the HBO documentary, An Apology To Elephants, which brought to highlighted the animals’ intelligence and also shed some light on the substandard living conditions they’ve endured. Of course, animal rights activists have been calling out the circus group for years on its treatment of the elephants, including harsh training practices that could lead to psychosis. It also became increasingly difficult for Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus to tour with the elephants as many cities and counties have passed “anti-circus” and “anti-elephant” (performances, we’re assuming) ordinances.