AR-News: (NZ) Jumbo sized problem for circus

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http://onenews.nzoom.com/onenews_detail/0,1227,228382-1-455,00.html

Oct 14, 2003


Animal activists hope to end the use of animals in circuses in New Zealand.
Draft regulations are currently being considered to improve the welfare of 
circus animals, but campaigners say they want them to go further.
However one elephant trainer says the move would put him out of business.
Trainer Tony Ratcliffe has been on the road with Jumbo for 25 years and he 
says the elephant interacts with people.
"I don't think she's unhappy at all - she communicates with us very well," 
says Ratcliffe.
But Jumbo's life as a veteran entertainer could be over if the government 
tightens up the code of welfare for circus animals.
The draft laws say that elephants become upset if they don't mix with other 
elephants and that they need to see and touch them. The new law would mean an 
elephant in a circus would have to be joined by another to make a pair.
Animal rights activists say the proposed changes don't go far enough.
Gary Reese from Save Animals from Exploitation says they want to treat other 
species with respect and completely ban exotic animals from circuses.
"These animals are kept in tiny cages, they're transported around the country 
and to get them to perform tricks they have to use punishment and 
deprivation," says Reese.
Whirling Brothers Circus is the only touring circus in New Zealand with 
exotic animals and Ratcliffe says his jumbo leads a stress-free life.
It could be several more months before the government signs off the new laws.
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