Tag Archives: animal care and well being

For the Love of Animals

There are many circuses out there, some that share our name, but few if any that share our values and commitment to professionalism and excellence when it comes to the well being of our animals. Our family has devoted 250 years to working with and training animals. We are proud of our circus families and the extraordinary care and attention our animals receive.

Our travel schedule is centered around our animals’ needs. We are proud to say that our show tour has far less travel than most other productions.

For the few trips during our season which are multi-day trips, we have a network of locations where we can safely and comfortably house both our domestic and exotic animals. These locations generally include fairgrounds, species appropriate boarding facilities and private properties.

Not only do we monitor the status of our animals during the trip, we never travel more than two hours without stopping for water, food and relaxation. This is only one of the many ways we exemplify our love and care for our animals, as well as how we differentiate ourselves from other circuses.

Studies have shown that elephants live longer traveling in circuses than they do in zoos or in the wild as they have a constant change of scenery which helps stimulate these highly intelligent creatures. Performing provides our animals with exercise and giving elephant rides keeps them physically healthy which in turn, increases their expected life span.

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Our animals are fed daily and watered at least five times a day. Their diet consists of grain, hay (which they have access to around the clock) fresh fruits and vegetables. They are bathed daily and their toenails are trimmed once a month.

At home, our elephants have ten acres and a pond to play in when the weather permits. In bad weather they have a large indoor exercise area.

Our circus’ animal care standards exceed governmental regulation. Our training methods are based on positive reinforcement, such as food rewards and words of praise. The relationship between animals and humans is built on mutual respect, trust and affection.

We are visited regularly by the United States Department of Agriculture, which carefully reviews our housing, feeding, housekeeping and ventilation practices.

So when you come out to visit us and take in one of our shows, rest assured the talent and professionalism you see on stage is mirrored by special care and attention to our animals behind the scenes. We look forward to seeing you soon.

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