To The Editor:
I am just asking for the opportunity to correct some of the information which appeared in the April 30 article titled “Dealing With the Elephants in the Room.” The writer mentions attempts by activists to alter the life of elephants in the circus, such as how much space an elephant might have, or how long she can be chained. The major cause of deaths in circus elephants comes from immobility, which leads to muscle and bone diseases from standing still while supporting ten thousand pounds , and foot diseases arising from standing in their own waste in boxcars for hours and days. When you consider that elephants are biologically, physically, emotionally and genetically roaming animals whose health absolutely depends on walking twenty miles a day, as they do in the wild, a space slightly larger than a boxcar is not only inadequate, it is obviously unhealthy and cruel.
Next he quotes Ringling Bros.’s public affairs strategist as saying that the bullhook is harmless. But not mentioned are the recently subpoenaed records from the files of Ringling itself, among which is a memo by a veterinarian technician expressing concern about the many lacerations from the hooks and blood dripping from elephants in pools.
Also ignored are eyewitness accounts of prolonged beatings using the bullhook, and video accounts which actually show these beatings. The bullhook is not harmless. It is a weapon designed to inflict pain and used for punishment. The hook is imbedded in paper thin sensitive areas of the elephant’s body, behind the legs, under the chin, around the eyes and mouth. Some bullhooks have handles, as on a cane, to give a better grip while pulling down on the imbedded hook.
Among other objects in the circus arsenal against elephants is a product called “wonder dust.” This is a fast coagulating powder to dry up blood and is put on the wounds of elephants before they appear in the public eye. It dries to a grey color which conveniently blends in with the elephant’s skin. Elephants which appear content or tame, are, in reality, submissive and dominated by many hours of punishment. I hope those who visit the elephants will keep that in mind.
As for the statement that “some of these people are fanatical terrorists,” [perhaps Ringling’s spokesman] would like to point out the fanatical terrorists in our group. We would love to do an anti-defamation lawsuit. Perhaps it is the two children who testified with us at the Environment Committee. I’ll end with the words of this child, age nine: “Elephants and tigers are wild and beautiful animals who don’t deserve to be chained, hooked and caged.” This nine-year-old girl understands. Why is it so hard for others?
Barbara Service
Storrs
