Next week, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will proudly return to Los Angeles with Ringling Bros. Built to Amaze, the 143rd edition of The Greatest Show On Earth. Everyone at Ringling Bros. takes great pride in presenting quality family entertainment to audiences across the country. Though recently in this paper, an animal rights activist has used our return to Los Angeles to once again distort our commitment to animal care. [Response to Letter to the Editor titled “Varying views,” published July 4.]
It’s time we set the record straight. Ringling Bros. is very proud of its human and animal partnerships. The physical and behavioral needs of all our animals are a top priority that can be seen in every city we visit. Ringling Bros. also meets or exceeds all federal, state, and local animal standards. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture conducts regular unannounced inspections of all federally licensed zoos and circuses, and Ringling Bros. has never been found in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
Animal extremists will no doubt continue to distort the commitment we have for all of our animal performers, especially our elephants. Rather than take what they say at face value, we invite all Los Angeles area families to come see for themselves how the animals are thriving at The Greatest Show On Earth.
Stephen Payne
Vice President Corporate Communications, Feld Entertainment