From the African Plains to a UK Circus: The Shocking Story of Circus Star
The Captive Animals' Protection Society has expressed outrage at government inaction which has resulted in three elephants being imported from Germany to use in a UK circus. Sonja, Delhi and Wanna Manna will be transported around the country for the next nine months despite a government statement three years ago that it would ban the use of at least some wild animals in circuses. CAPS reported that Sonja, an African female elephant in her 30s was orphaned during a ‘cull’ in the mid-1970s and sold to a circus. Evidence obtained by CAPS also reveals that Delhi, an Asian female elephant, has previously had problems with her legs, collapsing in Germany in 2008 and 2006. On both occasions it required firefighters with a crane to rescue her. She and her other Asian companion Wanna Manna were sold to circuses by Burmese logging camps. This is the first time in over a decade in which elephants have been imported for use in a UK circus. Since 2002 only one elephant has been used here - the solitary and arthritic Anne. On hearing the news that Sonja was being used, Animal Rights Africa told CAPS: “These young elephants were forced to watch their mothers and other family members killed in front of them as part of cruel and unnecessary ‘culling’ programmes that fed the ivory trade. Organisations like Animal Rights Africa believe that these elephants who have been forced to endure such misery deserve restitution and should be returned to Africa where they can be rehabilitated and live out the rest of their lives in peace. How elephants are treated is of concern to all caring people. Elephant experts worldwide are of the opinion that the close family bonds these elephants were subjected to immense trauma. We must stand with our heads bowed in shame - and full complicity.” Media coverage of the elephants’ arrival has resulted in a backlash from the public, with many people phoning into radio shows or commenting on newspaper websites, expressing their disgust that animals are still used in circuses. Last year 183 MPs signed a motion encouraging the government to ban animal circuses. Please write to your MP and the Environment Minister, expressing your concern and encouraging the government to ban animal use in circuses. CAPS will ensure that these three elephants keep the debate about animal circuses clearly in the public light. Protests are organised at this and other animal circuses, please contact CAPS to get involved. WHAT YOU CAN DO Please contact your MP and ask them to sign the following Early Day Motions:
Also ask your MP to write to Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, urging him to bring in a ban. If you do not know who your MP is, click here (you can also send an e-mail direct to your MP from this website). You can also write to Hilary Benn yourself. We know that many of you contacted his predecessor last year, and thank you for doing so; however, the use of three more elephants means that now is the time for the government to recognise the high level of concern.
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