I believe that all circus and zoo should be ban and laws should be erect to that effect, the human stupidity should end now, we as human love the word RESPECT,i believe we should respect that word starting now and stop all exploitation to all animals and that include riding horses in big city and elephants and monkeys in circus and zoos.
Robert Dupont , montreal, canada |
I think it must be setting legislation prohibiting wild animals to be exploited for entertainment.
Heidi Hubbard, central Washington State |
Law to be passed to ban elephants from circuses.
Kris M, Riverside, CA |
Kindness and especially stopping circus cruelty. I feel so heartsore every time I think about it.
Lynne Mac Gregor, South Africa |
We need to fight to get elephants out of zoos and give these magnificent creatures the freedom they deserve!
Lauren Linett, Los Angeles, CA |
Stop Circus Cruelty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saskia C McAbee, Reno NV |
To make the USDA do more inspections, higher penalties, and do not wait year(s) for elephants to be confiscated from known abusers/violators. First time a violation is noted and not fixed that elephant should be confiscated.
B. Family , Galloway, OH |
I believe that people must see what goes on in circuses behind the scenes and during acts. Videos of Ned performing and also the beatings of Sissy would be a good start to send to mayors of cities allowing animals to perform. Also send videos to governors, USDA, and news broadcasting stations. People need to see the agony these animals go through.
C Teague, Loudon TN |
I would like to see more news stories on the Sanctuary and the life you are providing for the elephants there as well as background information for the public on the life these elephants lead in circuses and most zoos. Perhaps a segment on 60 Minutes or even Larry King Live would help bring this to the attention of people. We need to get people talking about elephant welfare in order to encourage circuses/zoos to free them to live the life they should be doing.
Kathy Hertzel, Webster, NY |
That all groups & organizations supporting elephant welfare start & participate in a yearly conference gathering and organize & combine their efforts in a specific & comprehensive manner. There is power in numbers but the efforts are too fragmented. It all needs to be on a united powerful front. It's time for all the voices to come together to be a more powerful voice & be heard. Combined effort & research & reports aimed at proving zoos & circuses should be off limits to elephants based on fact finding that reveal the conditions & treatments are often cruel & unhealthy & unsuitable on may levels and ultimately result in the elephants slow painful death is the way to go in my opinion.
Dolores Whitley, Delaware |
We should focus on getting elephants out of inadequate facilities and into sanctuaries where they can live as they are meant to.
Liz Cook, Davis, CA |
that they be able to live in a place as much like their natural habitat as possible.
barbara monnette, saint helena, california |
I have to agree with so many others who have responded -- EDUCATION!
Lana Grimm, Colorado |
We need to end using elephants in circuses and keeping them in zoo's.
Nancy, Winthrop, MA |
EDUCATION...both here in the US and abroad to teach people about the plight of elephants in captivity and about their endangerment all over the world and how they must be protected because they are such amazing, intelligent and magnificent beings.
Cynthia, San Francisco |
To raise awareness of the fact that animals such as elephants are not here to entertain us. They are sovereign creatures who deserve dignity and the freedom to live their own lives.
Ginny, Port Townsend, WA |
In these economic times, difficult for so many people, we need to all work together to ensure the money is there for the elephants' care. Education and fundraising need to go hand in hand.
Mary Wilson, Gabriola Island, BC |
I think that TES is right on the money about education. One idea I have is that we could possibly mobilize a massive educational and outreach program that would be fairly inexpensive and that might reach people from all walks of life. One way to do this is to design a catchy pamphlet and/or book mark that could be downloaded and produced inexpensively by all of us.
The pamphlet/book mark could contain a story, picture, and web addresses as well as ways to get involved. We could then leave them in libraries, bookstores, schools, professional offices, restaurants...anywhere we're permitted to leave them. I've seen this done in other organizations I've been involved in with great success.
I am also in agreement with Pat Derby at PAWS. More needs to be done for bull elephants who often die horrible and violent deaths because they are too strong and spirited to be dominated. If we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot.
Catherine York, Gainesville, FL |
That no Elephants live in circus's,or zoo's
Liz, Milwaukee |
RESCUE. AND QUICKLY. PLEASE!
Lisa, Indiana |
I recognize as a former docent that many folks just cannot relate to animals' situations in the wild unless they actually SEE the animal. At the same time I believe that many zoo elephants are not cared for properly and should be relocated. If the public is to be educated and empathetic with wild elephant challenges and habitat loss then a much improved situation needs to be established to meet this goal of giving public access to experience healthy environments and how they improve these magnificent animals' lives. Absolutely, circus elephants need to be freed from this particular type of misery. Elephant sanctuaries currently limit visitation to those who have the means for large contributions. My hope is that the sanctuary experience can be made a bit more accessible without negative impacts on the elephants.
Debra M. Moore, Sacramento, CA. |
teach children how cruel the animals are treated to accomplish the control that is necessary to give us a moment of entertainment. this is sooo sad and cruel. keep on spreading the word. i admire your dedication to the cause.
Marian Johnston, Mount Vernon, WA |
No elephants in the circus.
Jamey , Kansas City |
All zoo and circus elephants should be retired to a sanctuary and the practice of taking poor babies from their mothers should be stopped for always. Everyone should read Elephants Weep and perhaps those who don't care about animals would feel something for these intelligent, beautiful creatures.
Wanda Trotta, Plano, Texas |
captive zoo elephants require & deserve sanctuary. Dallas is still working to get Jenny from TX to TN!
Dorothy Phillips, Dallas, TX |
I like the suggestion to expand, really expand zoo habitats so elephants can be elephants together, not on hard concrete, and have other zoos have viewing rooms to see them, like ele-cam. Zoos too can help retire circus elephants, IF they are willing to relearn about them and if they will buy enough suitable acres. As said here the elephants know more about us than we do them....No breeding of captive elephants, period.....Elephants in circuses should be outlawed and retired.
Terry Youngblood, Jacksonville, GA |
Remember the movie, "Blood Diamonds"? Would a movie director make a movie about elephant families being killed for ivory and their babies stripped away for zoos? What about a movie about PAWS or TES? It seems that Americans love movies and this would be a good way to educate. Would Animal Planet do a series on the Ele Sanctuaries?
Angela , Indiana |
JUST CONTINUE THE FIGHT CONCERNING ZOOS AND PROTECTION IN THE WILD. PRETTY SOON THE ONLY ONES WE WILL HAVE IS IN ZOOS AND THAT IS SAD. THEY ARE A MARVEL AND I LOVE THEM ALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED WORK AND BLESS YOU ALL.
SHARON BROWN, MICHIGAN |
IF I MAY PICK ONLY ONE IT IS TO CONTINUE THIS VALIANT AND SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO RESCUE, SAVE, COMFORT AND CARE FOR THOSE IN NEED.
BETH HAMMOND, ECLECTIC, ALABAMA |
Stopping cullings for sure. As far as education goes, I know TES is trying to make interaction with elephants more virtual. But there has to be a way peope can share the same oxygen with elephants. Also, abuse needs to be stopped dead in its tracks! It is sort of a dilemna. How can we make the experience REAL, but still provide a natural environment for the elephants we all love?
Claire S. Moen, Grand Forks, North Dakota |
Ensure that sanctuary accreditation through TAOS is well understood so that people can compare it to the AZA standards and can see how staff at the sanctuary are trained, their backgrounds and elephant expertise
john, florida |
Still telling everybody how similar to us they are in their feelings and way of caring after their babies ...
Stéphanie Drouet, Mérignac in France |
I'm sure everyone has mentioned education. We need to know what elephants need and how to provide it for them. They are one of God's amazing creatures and we need to watch over them while they are in our care.
Jeanie, Indiana |
This might not be the most single important effort, but I sure would love to see politics be put on the back burner in Dallas, and have Dallas' Zoo only African Elephant, Jenny, to come live at the Sanctuary. Just watching Dulary and Misty play in the pond makes me weep to know that Jenny is not there with them. How much fun she would have!
Leigh, Lancaster, Va |
finding a way to stop the culling and continue revoking ivory trading
carol Wellhausen, escondido CA |
The one thing we can do is a three step process:
1. Expose the Neanderthals, like the retaliatory AZA or any circus "trainer," for their stubborn, wrongful and hurtful mind set. Confining circus elephants in small enclosures 23 hours a day chained in box cars is akin to the Nazis transporting Holocaust victims. A pathetic lone elephant in a small exhibit suffers the heartache of loneliness and crippled from degenerative joint disease from concrete and no exercise. TES and PAWS show there is a better way. So write the TV networks that you want to see more elephant exposés. And write the USDA whenever you see captive animal abuse: usda_hotline@oig.usda.gov or thank the Ag. Secretary when he does confiscate an elephant, agsec@usda.gov (operant conditioning). Give out TES literature at circuses.
2. No elephants in circuses and expand zoo exhibits. We aren't going to get rid of zoos or zoos wanting to have elephants, but we can demand better habitat for them. If zoos have to have elephants, then let it be only those that have a good 100 acres with lots of ele-cams transporting pictures to a viewing room at the zoo. Then other zoos can subscribe to these elephants and show them on a big IMAX screen, it's cheaper than housing elephants. We who watch TES ele-cam just love watching the Girls nap (I did the same with my newborn), each elephant will become its own "person" at the zoo. Or, if the public can go to a truly enlarged exhibit and view elephants, then the elephants should be rotated weekly (in their cliques) so they can get away from the screaming kids and loss of privacy. (I was thrilled to see Billie Sue, Liz and Frieda from atop a hill and have them watch our group back.) No, It's NOT sanctuary, but it's BETTER than what is going on now. From what I've learned thru TES is that elephants like their caregivers, i.e. Shirley and Solomon, and some are misguided but caring. (I'm not talking about abusers like Ramos or Ringling).
3. And above all, let caregivers from TES and PAWS train/instruct the caretakers of elephants as to what both the caretakers and elephants really need, sans bullhooks of course.
Tory, Queenie, Nosey, Butterball, Scooter, Patches, Ta'Loula and Buddy, St. Simons Island, Ga |
I believe that tagain. Learning about elephants has deepened my connection to spirit, purpose, beauty, and hope. The stories that I read about the elephants at the sanctuary have brought tears to my eyes. It brings nothing but a feeling of hope to read about Maggie at PAWS and Ned at TES.
Thank you so much for all that you do! I know that there is a place in TN full of light and love and that brings me comfort.he elephants in zoos and circuses should be sent to a sanctuary. It should become illegal to exhibit an elephant in a zoo, circus, or movie. The bullhook outlawed. I don't believe that it is our "right" to be able to see an elephant.
I hope to see the wild elephants managed humanely and never should an elephant be taken out of the wild and the act of culling permanently banned.
Beth Osmer, San Francisco |
Ending circuses using wild animals in general.
Kathleen Van Sandt, Piedmont California |
animal handling issues
angela wingers, hiram, GA |
The US should apply economic pressure on countries to provide them incentive to enforce their poaching and elephant/environment protection laws.
Noreen McQuinn, Mission Viejo, CA |
A total ban of elephants in circuses.
Claudia, New York City |
the single most important effort should be to stop loss of habitat in the wild. replant and restore what can be restored. and leave the elephants to change their own habitat because it will evolve along with them. that would counter the zoo's need to breed the ellies in captivity and might even lead to the return to the wild of some of the younger captive elephants, and even the older ones who remember wild life.
bernice, brattleboro, vt. |
Pass a law stopping elephants from being made to perform in public . Make testing for Tb etc mandatory.
Allow elephants to be retired to the Elephant sancutary with a contribution from circuses etc.
Arlene shako, upstate New York |
I would really like to see zoos close their elephant habitats. If they want to keep them they need to add MORE space!! not 1/2 an acre or 1 acre. Actually i wish they would all come to the elephant sanctuary, but i know that is not possible.
karen katsbulas , florida |
If there was some way I could single-handedly rescue Jenny from the Dallas Zoo I would get her to the Sanctuary asap.
Pam, Wylie TX |
Rescue those in need, no matter if they are male or female. I can not imagine Carol or Scott turning any elephant away, if at all humanly possible, this is evident with NED. Keep up the fantasitic work. I love you guys!
Lynne Ray, Herndon, Virginia |
The abolition of wild animal act circuses and inappropriate zoo facilities.
Lesley, Vancouver |
I think elephants should remain wild, but barring that, be subject to strict regulation concerning their humane treatment in circuses and zoos. I also think TES should continue their efforts on a national stage to make the public aware of the plight of these gentle, intelligent and spiritual animals. Can elephants be treated humanely by humans in captivity? I think DULARY should decide.
Cara, Phoenix, AZ |
People need to say prayers for the elephants, and become active in this sanctuary and others like it and with animal welfare organizations worldwide that assist elephants. Give them some money to work with if you can!
Diane Kluttz, Phoenix, AZ |
Stop circuses the use of animals for human entertainment. The abuse th are so gentle and full of knowledge that we humans may never quite grasp the full extent of. My hometown is Evansville, IN...where Bunny was the only elephant at the zoo for decades. Knowing how social these animals are, I feel such relief knowing Bunny is at the sanctuary in peace with her "sisters". I try to educate everyone I know about the Elephant Sanctuary. I tune into the website on a weekly basis to find out what's happening with the girls and Ned. In a world with so much suffering, it makes me feel good to know such positive work is being done here. I will do all I can...sign petitions, volunteer, spread the word about the abuse of animals in circuses, etc. to help the elephants!ese beautiful and wise creatures must endure in the circus is barbaric and should be outlawed.
Cori Edwards, Louisville, KY |
I think that a campaign should be initiated to raise enough money to design/build an MRI machine for elephants. Would be invaluable in diagnosing problems and move the study of elephant diseases ahead by leaps and bounds. Could do a lot of good. I would be willing to donate to such a cause.
Doreen Rudnick, Metamora, MI |
By being actively involved in the legislative process that will end the suffering of elephants forced to perform for human amusement. Circuses are portrayed as family-friendly entertainment; however, parents should be informed about the true behind-the-scenes tragedies facing elephants in these so-called extravaganzas. I would much rather watch a sunset on the Atlantic Ocean than witness an elephant forced to perform under grueling hardship; especially an elephant that most likely has been torn away from its mother and family. Education, and lots of it, can be a useful weapon against such abuse.
Beverly, South Carolina |
eliminating elephants as part of circus shows.
Sabine Zell, Simsburry, VT |
Get them out of the circus. Get them out of the circus. Not just here and there, but everywhere.
Angie, California |
Be the emergency sanctuary for captive elephants who often have no other place to be. And second your successes in bringing the plights of lonely, poorly kept elephants to the attention of the public. Seattle's elephants a case in point.
Carol Wolf, Seattle Washington |
All people, big and small, affiliated or not affiliated with elephants, needs to be educated about the facts of elephants in captivity. They need to learn the damage elephants experience from being exploited by circuses and most zoo's. They need to realize that elephants deserve freedom. I think the Elephant Sanctuary will play a pivotal role in the awareness and education people need in the upcoming years.
Kelly Spencer, Middlesex, NJ |
Captive Breeding needs to come to a halt, because if not the entertainment, abuse, a shortened life time, and improper care of Elephants will continue for the almight $.
Patricia Griffiths, Pleasant View, TN |
To get the zoo directors of all zoos that are harboring an elephant that the public has been trying to free due to misery and sickness to forget their greed for just once and let the elephants go to sanctuary...Billy, Jenny, Pearl, and the others we have been fighting for...before they die as others have before them and to shut down the two worse circuses Ringling and Carson and Barnes.
Nancy, Ojai, Ca. |
1. Educate people that elephant aren't meant to be in cages or as showpieces.
2. Rescue more animals from bad situations.
Bronwen and Bella, Australia |
To awaken love in people's hearts towards creatures unlike themselves. To educate people that perhaps we have things to learn from creatures who are superior to us in many ways. Education.
pamela hall, san diego |
There should be laws about the kind of care these animals should have. And those laws should be strictly enforced. Now if we just had more money...
Pat Elvin, Elgin, IL |
that the Sanctuary continues to do what it does in every area of its philosophy----you are the best hope for elephants!!
bonnie, spring green, wi |
Get the "activists" into the schools and educate those kids! I have a complete program all laid out and so do the Sanctuaries abroad. It is the one thing that truly works on a wide scale. Just do it! Liberation of elephants 2009!
Kim, USA |
Definitely, in a perfect world, it would be banning the use of elephants or any other wild animal in a circus or parades and any other type of entertainment us humans deem acceptable.
Candace Kubczak, Milwaukee, Wisconsin |
Get rid of circus and anything or person that uses elephants for human entertainment
debbie lore, pevely,missouri |
I think the single most important thing that can be done for elephants in zoos is exposing the AZA. I am sick of hearing about their wonderful standards of elephant care quoted when they are in fact the principle culprits behind all of the suffering! And I think local humane societies have got to do more to address the cruel conditions in zoos. I think more people would listen to them rather than organizations they consider to be extreme activists. Veternarian societies have got to address the issue as well. Too many are in cahoots with the AZA. They know these conditions are harmful to elephants. No one can convince me they don't. Recently I wrote to an organization called AVAR, the Association of Veternarians for Animal Rights. They had position papers on everything from dog fighting to dehorning. Not one word on the plight of captive elephants!!!! That is what I'm talking about.
Sue, Texas |
Total ban in Canada and the U.S. on wild animals in entertainment, circuses, tournaments, fairs, sports events, stage, roadside attractions.
Fay Morris, Victoria, B.C. |
Send all sorts of positive energy to Carol and those that are testifying against Feld so that the trial proceeds and is successful.
Marcia, Texas |
With the internet at our fingertips we should be educating the general public about the plight of the elephants in captivity for zoos, etc.
Loretta Cornelius, Florida |
I wish that circuses could be shut down forever and all the elephants could go to sanctuaries. Also, mankind's lust for ivory has to be changed or the species will be lost forever.
Angie B., Indiana |
That the understanding and care of these great
animals continues to improve, and that as far as
is possible, that more elephants living in horrible conditions could come to the Sanctuary!
Barbara Wise, Pinedale, Wyoming |
space. no more zoos for them, they need more room.
Rhonda, wisconsin |
STOP performing circus elephants!!!!! Elephants don't belong in a circus!!!!!
I can't stand to think of the pain and misery that all the circus eles must endure for the sake of entertainment to mankind. It hurts and angers me to think of it!!
Sherry Iscaro, North Carolina |
Better animal welfare laws and stricter enforcement of them. I am so happy that Ned was confiscated--the laws worked in this case--but nothing can excuse the years of Lota's suffering.
Jackie B., Arlington VA |
Elephants should be banned from the circus and zoos worldwide. Governments need to adopt and enforce harsh penalties against poachers to discourage the slaughter of elephants in the wild.
Nick, Marietta, GA |
To free the remaining elephant(s) being held captive in the Philadelphia Zoo.
Kristina Owens, Lewes, DE |
No more elephants in circuses, or any animal for that matter.
Cindy Robison, Arcadia IN |
The Ringling Brothers trial will be extremely important. A Victory for elephants could effect a great change for Circus elephants everywhere.
Ilise Lipton, Dallas, TX |
Circuses must stop using elephants to perform for the amusement of humans.
Anne, NM |
I hope that Elephants in circus and in captivity be set free! We should not have any animals perform against their will! I cried when I saw NED! How horrible, and how wonderful to see him gaining weight and looking so much happier!!!
Linda De Falco, Melbourne, Florida |
The exploitation of wild animals in circuses is an antiquated idea, kept afloat by the greedy and the ignorant. Ignorance is not bliss and greed has seen better days, so get the animals off the road.
Paige, Atlanta, GA |
Continued knowledge and caring.
Gwen Jones, Beavercreek, Ohio |
In 2009, hopefully some of the zoos with older facilities will seriously look into closing their elephant exhibits forever and send their elephants to sanctuary. The AZA standards are so pitiful and I don't see how so many zoos can keep violating the AZA standard and get away with having fewer than 3 females. I would especially like to see the zoos that are housing single females put the needs of these lovely ladies first. Since Dallas decided to keep Jenny, I hope her new habitat is completed and she gets a companion as quickly as possible. And especially for poor Lucky in San Antonio, who has been alone for over a year now…the zoo is too stubborn to let her go as she lives in a tiny dirt enclosure all by herself - no plans for her in the future. It saddens me every time I think about her. She is about Dulary's age and like Dulary, housed in the same zoo since she was a baby. Look at Dulary now! It would make my 2009 if SA Zoo would close their elephant exhibit and let Lucky have the wonderful retirement she deserves.
Brenda Brown, Dallas, Texas |
Give all elephants in circuses, in captivity, or in amusement facilities--FREEDOM. Ban the use of elephants in all of the above. Give them a place that is safe to roam, to live, and to socialize with others of their breed. In Africa or India, protect them from poachers and harm. Let them live in their regal, royal ways, together til the end . . .
Janie Ashley, Maryland |
Work toward getting legislation passed to prohibit the use and exploitation of elephants in circuses.
Adriana (a.k.a. Irene) Baker, Brooklyn, NY |
To get the change of Government that will occur in January 2009 to enact laws protecting the welfare of captive animals in the US and severely prosecute anyone who does NOT comply. Most important of all to completely ban wild animals in circuses and in some cases zoos. It can be done!!
Nicki Munro, Warwickshire, England, United Kingdom |
When we know better, we should do better. The time has come for US to do the right thing and protect ALL the animals who are forced to travel the roads, or live in captivity . . . Especially when the species is endangered. We know better!
Terri, North Central, FL |
To free them from circus life and the inhumane treatment that surrounds that lifestyle. It's awful - people need to be educated to these facts and continue to demand that it be stopped. And this also goes to all the elephants that are held in captivity in zoo's around the world - we need more sanctuary's to free them all.
Tracy , Kentucky |
I think it should be made unlawful for a for-profit business or private citizen of the United States to own an elephant or any other creature that is not considered a farm animal or household pet.
Virginia Supernaugh, Melbourne, FL |
Circuses and zoos should be banned from having elephants. With the nature shows and internet access, there doesn't seem to be a valid reason to continue to use animals to get people to have empathy for them by keeping them in inadequate environments.
I have even contacted the Shrine Circus via email to request that they discontinue the (ab)use of elephants by having them in their circus. I even intimated that they would get more "milage" publicity-wise for NOT having elephants and advertising why not than they do having them.
Jacie, Cheyenne, WY |
Elephants should be removed from all zoos and every circus and placed in Sanctuary. Captive breeding should stop.
Jackie Hale, Dickson, TN |
To support the peoples in the world who live with wild elephants by purchasing their goods, so the elephant's territory is not infringed upon! It is a global effort!!
Nancy S, Vancouver, Washington |
USDA with backbone to rescue captive eles before they die and laws to assist in prosecution of abusers; end exploitation of eles for entertainment and profit.
Lee, Anchorage, AK |
Actually two efforts: Passing laws without loopholes that will ban the use of elephants and other animals (wild or not) for entertainment. Informing the public through the news media about how such animals are treated and asking them not to participate as audiences or contributors.
Marcia, Spokane, Washington |
In my opinion more of the public needs to be educated on how an elephant in captivity compares to an elephant in the wild or at The Elephant Sanctuary. People need to be shown the effects that captivity and circuses have on an elephant’s mind and on their well being.
Juanita Eisinger, Livonia, MI |
Winning the law suit against Ringling Bros. and finding new safe homes for the elephants that they own.
D. Brousseau, New Hampshire (Liz's former home) |
Focus resources on saving elephants in their homes in Asia and Africa instead of spending millions on breeding a handful to display in captivity.
Marianne Bessey, Philadelphia PA |
Education - Many of my colleagues are unaware of the treatment of animals; be they domestic pets, animals raised for food, or animals used for entertainment. They never think about it. How to help these people really see, to look, and to think. To look at Ned (bless him) when he arrivd at the Sanctuary, then look at a fat and overly confident male elephant in the wild and help people to see the difference and know there are other better ways to see and learn about animals beyond the circus and the zoo.
Jenna S, Richmond, VA |
To tell everyone we know about this website. Education is the only way to stop this abuse. Eventually each elephant will be able to retire and a smarter public will quit taking children to the circus or the zoo, ending the insanity and those businesses forever.
Anne, Pensacola, FL |
Continuing donations from all kinds of loving individuals via information sharing from sanctuary videos will aid the efforts of the sanctuary.
Donna Capriotti, Flying Hills, PA |
Every zoo, circus, ranch or other 'facility' that has an elephant should have to follow the "Guidelines for Captive Elephants" as set out by TES. If they are not capable of following these guidelines, then the elephants should be sent to TES or PAWS.
Leah, Black Creek, BC, Canada |
Get them out of circuses and away from owners/trainers like Lance Ramos!!!!!
Joan Spievak, Stamford, CT |
PROTECTION of their natural habitat in the wild and serious penalties for poaching.
Virginia Gotzmer , Longmont, Colorado |
I think all captive elephants need to be removed from zoos and circuses and side shows and we need to do whatever it takes with legislation or whatever to get these animals away from the deplorable conditions so many are living in.
Pat McPhee, Scottsdale AZ. 85250 |
Ban elephants from the circus!
Carla Bowlin, Fargo, ND |
The use of bullhooks must be declared to be illegal, which will essentially lead to the end of elephants in circuses and the zoo industry should accept the results of years of study and grim captive statistics and realize they can't properly provide for elephants - and let them go to sanctuary.
Nancy, Washington |
Ban elephants from performing in circuses or used in other ways for the purpose of entertainment or monetary gain.
chriss, BC Canada |
On the captive front, we need to keep the pressure on to rescue the neediest elephant, one at a time in a united effort, and continue educating others that they all need more space and soft footing.
In the wild, they need enforced protected areas fenced.
Laura C., New Jersey |
The media has a vital role to play in exposing the poor standard of captive elephant welfare, in raising public awareness, and creating a climate of change so that captive elephants are at last given the dignity and respect that is theirs by right as jewels of creation.
Michael and Sheila Medlar, Norfolk, UK |
I think the most important effort is to do a serious, all-out anti-circus campaign, complete with television, newspaper and magazine ads. I think it could be done financially if a lot of animal welfare groups pooled their money together to make it happen. Celebrities like Bob Barker would probably be willing to do commercials. I think most people truly don't understand the horrible treatment that all circus animals, especially elephants, must endure for years on end, all for a few moments of "joy" for some unsuspecting 5-year old who knows no better. I pray every day for the end of animals in circuses. Happy New Year to all TES staff and supporters and especially to our beautiful girls and handsome guy!!
Maggie Baldwin, Saratoga Springs, NY |
That no elephant be used for any form of entertaining and that the ones that are still in the inhumane zoos and circuses will be given to a sanctuary where they can find peace before they die.
Elizabeth Ferrari, Soddy Daisy, TN |
Education, education, education. Hopefully, making people aware will lead to change.
Terry Wynn, Jefferson City, MO |
Education, education, education. People must learn that some zoos and all circuses are not healthy for elephants.
Sandra Goodwin, Wyoming |
Circuses and the like need to be prohibited from exploiting and using elephants for profitable entertainment. This should include lions, tigers and other WILD animals which are not put here on this earth for our capitalization and financial gain.
Vivian Birman Ungerleider, Cedar Grove, NJ |
We need to ban the use of elephants and other wild animals in circuses. We need to devote more time and energy in educating the public, especially children, about why it is not appropriate to use them for our amusement.
Meredith MacCracken, San Diego |
new laws to protect these animals.. forbid the use of elephants in the circuses; severe punishment on those who abuse the elephants...
BCP, Morganton, NC |
Working to eliminate the practice of exploiting animals for the purpose of 'entertainment'.
J. Paulson, Washington state |
Ban elephants in circuses.
Janet, Cambridge, MA |
More publicity in the media about the terrible life these magnificent creatures endure in circuses and zoos.
Julie H., Montana |
People need to stop training mothers and babies.
Kate A.(age 9. ), Cumberland ME |
