Statement by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®
On PETA Protest in Austin

July 29, 2005 - Today, animal activists made another attempt to overshadow the fact that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® is one of the planet’s most committed animal advocates and stewards. Animal activist allegations run counter to Ringling Bros.’ unwavering commitment to providing the highest standards of progressive science-based care and husbandry for our animals.

These animal activists use exploitative tactics to capture media attention when they attack The Greatest Show on Earth® by making outrageous claims, performing ridiculous stunts and distributing highly deceptive video footage in the cities we visit.

Most recently, PETA has put together a dramatic but highly misleading video that again recycles old video footage of zoos or other circuses in their ongoing attempt to associate Ringling Bros. with the behavior of others. Any incidence of mistreatment of our animals will not be tolerated at Ringling Bros.

Unlike the activists’ deliberately misleading allegations and conjecture, Ringling Bros. animal care program and record is grounded in reality.

Everyday our dedicated and skilled staff of animal trainers, handlers, behaviorists and veterinarians provide for the physical and mental well-being of our animals. Our animal training techniques are based on constant interaction, positive reinforcement, and nurturing that builds strong and loving bonds between our animals and the humans who care for them. Our animals also live and travel in habitats specifically designed for their comfort and safety, and are provided time each day to exercise, play and socialize.

In addition, Ringling Bros. cares for and trains its animals under a comprehensive network of laws, regulations and unannounced inspections at the federal, state and local levels.

Most important, a portion of every ticket we sell goes to fund the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Center for Elephant Conservation, a state-of-the-art facility in central Florida that has become a global focal point for the study of Asian elephant reproduction. Conservation experts agree that it will take captive breeding programs such as ours to support the future of the Asian elephant population worldwide.

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Contact: Melinda Rosser
813/494.7768

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