PETA's Giant 'Elephant' to Confront Potential Circusgoers in Raleigh

Protesters Draw Attention to Ringling's Violent Treatment of Baby Elephants 

For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Raleigh -- A giant inflatable elephant will lead PETA members in a protest against the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on Wednesday. The protesters will display signs that read, "This Is Ringling Baby-Elephant Training," alongside banners emblazoned with compelling photos taken inside Ringling's training center. The photos expose how baby elephants used by Ringling are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. These abusive sessions go on for several hours a day in order to force the baby elephants to learn to perform circus tricks out of fear of punishment.

When:   Wednesday, February 6, 12 noon

Where:  Dail Plaza (on the sidewalk along the southeast side of E. Stephen Stroud Way), Raleigh

"Raleigh-area residents would run screaming from the big top if they knew how baby elephants are violently forced to perform difficult, confusing, and sometimes painful tricks," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "We're telling parents that if their kids love animals, the last place they should take them to is the circus."

In late 2011, Ringling paid the largest fine in circus history—$270,000—for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

For more information, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.