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"Sink that hook into 'em. When you hear that screaming, then you know you got their attention". That was said by an elephant trainer who training others to get the elephants to do what the trainers wanted in order to perform at a circus. Most circus shows fail to comply with the minimum federal regulations regarding humane treatment of animals. Circus workers whip, beat, abuse, neglect and torture their animals to get them to perform. These animals travel chained up in trailers full of filth and excrement. Unfortunately, this is the cruel way in which animals in general are trained to perform and 'entertain' us. If we visit circuses we are economically supporting and enabling the continuation the cruel, cold and painful way in which other living creatures are treated to force them to 'entertain' us. We do not think this what we should teach our children. We should teach them empathy, kindness, compassion and respect for all living things. These are the fundamental requirements necessary for a better and mentally healthier tomorrow.
Parents and educators can use the circus animals' routine maltreatment and abuse as a teaching tool to inform students about the improper ways animals are treated and discuss what SHOULD be done for these animals instead. Websites such as www.circuses.com provide information that can be used to properly inform students of the true horrors that these defenseless circus animals are put through for our 'pleasure'. The following is a quote from the www.circuses.com website: "The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other painful tools of the trade.
We applaud trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and acrobats, but let's leave animals in peace. Sweden, Austria, Costa Rica, India, Finland, and Singapore have all banned or restricted the use of animals in entertainment-it's time for the U.S. to do the same."
Now you may ask, "Well, if not the circus, where shall I take my children? " Great question!
Wildlife needs to be kept in its proper environment. In the Everglades National Park you can see wildlife in its natural habitat. If you take the tram ride into the Everglades or take a bike ride on the paved trails, the close relationship between Florida's history and ecosystem is clearly explained and illustrated. Visit www.nps.gov to find a national park in your state. Another option in Florida is the Lion Country Safari. This was the first drive-through cageless zoo in the United States and it has been a leader in conservation since 1967. Lion Country Safari provides a habitat in which many endangered or threatened species live and reproduce (www.lioncountrysafari.com).
Animal sanctuaries consist of lands that have been set aside by an organization that cares for certain types of animals who had previously not been treated properly. At these sanctuaries, the domesticated animals get to live out their lives in peace and safety and the wild animals are provided with an environment which is as close to theirs in the wild as possible. The difference is that these animals have caretakers who make sure the animals are protected and, in the case of domesticated animals, fed, groomed and kept in good condition. Caring Fields Animal Sanctuary in Palm City (for horses and cats) and Everglades Outpost in Florida City (rescues injured or abandoned Florida wildlife and exotic species) are just two of the animal sanctuaries in Florida. There are dozens of others in Florida and hundreds across the country.
There are also the local animal shelters in which thousands of dogs and cats are abandoned yearly. These shelters, including the Miami-Dade County Animal Services Department shelter, are excellent resources for use in teaching children about compassion, respect, empathy and love for our animal companions. Most shelters offer an educational program and shelter tour free of charge for children of all ages. There are also countless books, videos, television programs and websites that children can visit to learn about exotic and/or endangered wild life and about animal welfare. Please see our education page on this website for a list of resources and for humane education lesson plans for K-5 grade levels.
It is our job to teach our children to respect the land we live in and the other creatures, human and other, we share it with. By using the tools and resources discussed above we can get a head start on teaching tomorrow's caregivers and decision makers that we are all in this together. We have only one earth and we need to treat other living creatures with the love and respect they deserve.
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