‘Crying Tiger’ to Chicagoans: Stay Away From Cruel UniverSoul Circus

Chains, Whips, and Filthy Cages Prompt PETA Protest of Notorious Circus

For Immediate Release:
October 2, 2018

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

What:    A “crying tiger” will lead PETA supporters in a spirited demonstration outside UniverSoul Circus‘ opening-night performance in Washington Park on Wednesday. The protesters will brandish a whip, which circus handlers use to threaten tigers into performing tricks.

When:    Wednesday, October 3, 6 p.m. sharp

Where:    Washington Park, at the intersection of E. 51^st Street and S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago

“It’s clear that today’s evolved public has no interest in sitting through UniverSoul’s archaic and abusive animal acts,” says PETA Foundation Deputy Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews. “PETA is telling all wild-animal circuses that they must go animal-free if they want to keep attracting audiences.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—notes that UniverSoul uses a tiger act in its shows that’s leased from Mitchel Kalmanson, who’s been cited by the federal government for failing to provide animals with basic veterinary care, depriving them of the opportunity to exercise, and confining them to foul-smelling, maggot-infested trucks.

The largest U.S. circus, Ringling Bros., went out of business last year, citing the public’s changing attitude toward the use of animals in entertainment, as demonstrated by declining ticket sales. Kelly Miller Circus is now touring animal-free, and earlier this year, Stardust Circus removed its elephant acts, citing protests.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.