Circus Closing

This will definitely make some folks happy while others it definitely won't. We have been to this circus three times and the last time was right here where we live. We paid a nice cost, but had bottom-section/center/3 rows up seats. The performance was truly amazing and exciting. The tiger/lion act and elephants were spectacular! Actually, early last year when we went, it was one of the last performances the famous elephants would be in. But, from reading what Kenneth Feld (Chairman/CEO of Feld Entertainment.........this circus) said about the reasons for closing, I truly understand why they are saying "goodbye".

As for us, we have the memories, photos and a DVD of this famous circus.
The article below explains what happened.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/th...closing/ar-AAlSxkf?li=BBmkt5R&ocid=spartandhp

 

I agree with 'no' animals as a circus act
Plenty of human acts can make for an entertaining night and they 'choose' to do so

 

That's your feelings and that's fine. Only thing is, I don't see protestor's standing outside Dog Agility Competitions, Horse Shows, Horse Races or any other animals are taught to do stuff. I don't see protestors at zoo's either.

Of course many people with kids and grandkids would totally disagree with you, saying "my kids/grandkids love seeing the animal acts". I've seen parents and grandparents interviewed by local news stating just that as they are entering an arena building for a circus.

 

Yes - that's a pity
As for dogs and horses, they both love to be active and are shown a lot of love, not 'all' horse racing I agree with though
As for Zoos, well they are better than they used to be with much more space provided
Does an Elephant or Lion belong in a Zoo - NO !

 

If it wasn't for the Circus and Zoos I along with my children would have never have had the chance to have seen most of the animals that perform and live in these habitats. I am thankful that we had these experiences.

To me it is just like anything else in life, it can be good or it can be bad. When the animals used in a Circus and that live in a Zoo are treated well, fed well, and given what they need then I don't see a problem. When the animals are treated well, fed well, and given what they need...then I see a big problem.

There are much worse scenerios for animals as far as I am concerned. Using animals for "lab rats" in the name of Science or Medicine being one of the worst case scenerios in my opinion.

 

Not to change my Thread, but wife and I, along with some other rodeo competitors, had to have local Sheriff's Dept. escort us to the arena gate at a few rodeo's we been to due to protestors. When we got to the arena, the Sheriff's Dept. was already there. Have to admit, some cities and towns shouldn't have rodeo performances because people don't understand the sport and where it evolved from (ranch work). Now, there are states like Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, North/South Dakota, Oklahoma and Texas where rodeo is part of life. Heck, there are even high schools that give rodeo scholarship's to go to college on.

But, some rodeo's have been stopped due to too much controversy. Fortunately, the sport is still surviving. I still have the ropes I used as a roper.

 

Looks like this is another one of those sort of controversial Threads. Perhaps, more than "sort of".

 

I bet there's not a subject that 'everyone' agrees on
@Cody Fousnaugh

 

This is exactly how I feel too. I always loved the circus, especially the animals.

 

When I was growing up, my grandparents back yard was a half block away from an area designated as "the circus grounds". In between was vacant land. When a circus came to town and was setting up, gramps would go over and hire out to help with the animals and other work. My cousin and I were allowed to watch from the back fence.
Once, the circus owner let gramps bring a saddled pony over and let us kids ride it a while.
Then, after the war that land all built up with houses and now it's just a memory.

 

I have seen proof with that French/Canadian circus, worldwide recognition
I love variety acts and a circus is a good place to display them as theatres don't cater anymore
To put Lions - Tigers and Elephants into a circus is shameful, all that travelling in cramped spaces
never knowing the wonder of true freedom in open spaces, makes me weep to think of it
I think humans can get by without this spectacle

 

Your opinion and that's fine.