Blogger Tonya Kay jumped through hoops to try to tell Cole Bros. Circus’ “side of the story” in a two-part series posted on EcoHearth.com, but without much luck.
A journalist working with Kay was offered three invitations to visit the circus, observe the animals, and speak with circus management—all three of which were later rescinded by the circus, which was apparently unconvinced by his claim that he planned to write a “shining review.” Apparently, the circus is unwilling to speak to any journalist who might be secretly harboring plans to write anything resembling an unbiased report, as opposed to a glowing fluff piece.
It’s little wonder that Cole Bros. Circus didn’t want to expose the less than “shining” aspects of its operation: that elephants are beaten with bullhooks and tigers are jammed into transport cages, where they spend most of their lives.
In the end, Kay concluded, “I can’t write a positive story on the Cole Bros. Circus because there’s nothing positive to report.”
You can read Tonya Kay’s complete story here. And to help get the word out to others about Cole Bros.’ dirty secrets, contact PETA’s Action Team for help organizing a protest.
Written by Jennifer O’Connor
