Written by PETA
Barack, a 2-year-old elephant calf who was at one point traveling with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, is being treated (again) for elephant endotheliotropic herpes virus (EEHV). The scientific literature recognizes that stress is strongly associated with EEHV. Ringling has been subjecting baby Barack to the stress of transport, cruel "training," and performances since he was less than a year old.This is the second time that Barack has been treated for EEHV in his young life, and there is no cure for the disease, which is usually fatal in elephants. It has a staggering 80 percent mortality rate in captive Asian elephants.
Unless Barack and his mother, Bonnie, are sent to a sanctuary, Barack may very well die from this disease. The circus can make itself truly "The Greatest Show on Earth" by retiring the rest of its elephants too.
Written by Michelle Sherrow
For everyone asking what you can do- please contact the USDA Eastern Region office (www.aphis.usda.gov/.../ac.shtml) and ask them to look into it. Thank you for your concern!
Melmac- Animals used in traveling acts like circuses are carted from one town to the next and treated like equipment. Their eating and sleeping schedules are dictated by handlers, and they aren’t allowed to engage in any natural behaviors, such as socializing, roaming, and foraging. Many become listless, sick, and depressed. The benefits of being in an environment more suited to meeting her needs would undoubtedly increase Lucy’s quality of life as well as Barack’s. For more information, please go to www.peta.org/.../circuses.aspx.
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