Circuses, as we know them are becoming extinct. Over the years, I've reported on the "curtains coming down" on some of the big names in the circus industry in the states. In a post titled, "Circuses Are Not The Place For Our Elephants Anymore," I provided a status report about this trend back in 2016. There are many reasons why, but one of the main thoughts is the conditions these herd animals had to experience when kept in captivity.
Denmark doing the right thing . . .
However, America is not the only country to understand the necessity to end the days of the circus. Denmark is following suit with the retirement of their circuses' last elephants.
They are spending 11 million kroner ($1.6 million) to buy the country’s remaining four circus elephants.
Like what transpired in the States, the goal is to provide them with a proper retirement, as the government moves to ban wild animals in circuses.
The Ban
The country's Food and Fisheries Minister Mogens Jensen recently was reported stating this ban is expected to take place later this year.
"We have come up with a really sensible solution so that the elephants can get better," said Food and Fisheries Minister Mogens Jensen, in a translated press release. "Wild animals do not belong to either a stable or a riding school, and when the [Danish Parliament] opens, I will propose a new animal welfare law, so that we finally get wild animals banned from the circus."
Where will they go?
While elephants in the States were retired to refuges and sanctuaries, the Danish ministry noted there were no immediate plans as to where to put Ramboline, Lara, Djunga and Jenny. They're asking applicants who are willing to take the mammals, to propose a timely takeover and proper welfare. The application deadline is Sept. 30. Until the elephants are placed in their new homes, Animal Protection Denmark will "ensure their welfare," the ministry said.
It's time to say good-bye . . .
"I'm sorry to say goodbye to our elephants," said Benny Berdino, director of Circus Arena, "but at the same time I am pleased that they can now retire from work and enjoy a well-earned rest."
So, dear reader, say goodbye to your childhood memories of going off to the circus. While it was a spectacle to behold, it's time to do the humanitarian thing. Without elephants, the show can no longer go on.
Primary Source: PBS
