Nova Scotia SPCA opposed to use of elderly elephant in circus

2009-06-03

Nova Scotia SPCA Media Release

The Nova Scotia SPCA is taking a position against the use of an elephant named "Limba" at a traveling circus, according to President Sean Kelly. Cirque Estival is slated to bring its traveling circus to seven locations across the province, beginning June 6th in New Glasgow.

The elephant Limba is a 45 year old Asiatic Elephant that was taken from the wild in the mid 60s and has been forced to perform for the public ever since. NS SPCA President Sean Kelly states, "The Nova Scotia SPCA does not support the removal of exotic species from the wild for the purposes of entertainment and profit." Since 1997, the Society has held a position statement opposing the use of wild and/or exotic animals in circuses for the purpose of performing. Further, he said, "Limba has worked for the Bowmanville Zoo long enough and should be retired and treated with the respect that she deserves based on the many years and large amounts of money she has earned for her captors."

Scott Millar, chair of the SPCA's newly created Advocacy Committee, points out that this circus does not comply with Nova Scotia's circus standards. In particular, the standards state that circuses may not bring lone elephants to perform in our province. "The standards are in place to ensure a minimal level of welfare is provided to these animals. Why a permit was granted to this circus, which is in clear violation of the standards, I don't know," says Scott.

The SPCA has formally requested the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to review and deny the permit for Cirque Estival's traveling circus based on the following issues as stated in DNR regulations:

First, the provisions regarding elephants in the Standards Exhibiting Circus Animals in Nova Scotia ("The Standards") are violated in a number of instances. Details are as follows:

2.6. Social species shall not be exhibited as single specimens unless compelling reasons can be shown. 2.7.D. . Elephants are intelligent, inquisitive and social creatures, and therefore circuses must not maintain single elephants. Elephants kept in circuses must be supplied with . social contact with other elephants. 17. D.1. As elephants are social herd animals, they must always be able to see and touch other elephants [emphasis added].

It is clear according to our province's standards that any amount of time spent by an elephant without others of its kind is unacceptable, and is thus grounds for denying or revoking a circus permit.

Second, according to compelling evidence now in DNR's possession, the directors of Cirque Estival have violated another of The Standards' provisions.

22.1. Records must be maintained for each individual animal. These records must show:...
xv) Any noteworthy incidents involving this animal.

Limba the elephant - who is scheduled to travel with Cirque Estival throughout the Maritimes - allegedly attacked and injured a trainer at the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg in 2002. The NS SPCA considers an elephant attack on a human - even a minor one - to be a "noteworthy incident." Through the SPCA's discussions, it was apparent that DNR was not informed of the incident or the allegations that an employee of the Bowmanville Zoo had beaten Limba afterwards.

The NS SPCA is shocked and dismayed that the DNR would openly defy its own regulations and allow a blatant disregard for its own policy. The NS SPCA is making a public plea to provincial government to reconsider the permission granted. The NS SPCA is also making a plea to the general public not to support this circus or any event that involves wild or exotic animals. Cirque Estival also includes a jaguar, camel and zebra.

The Standards Exhibiting Circus Animals in Nova Scotia can be found online at http://www.gov.ns.ca/natr/wildlife/web/circus.htm.

The Nova Scotia SPCA is a non-profit registered charity organized under the provincial Animal Cruelty Prevention Act, dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals and to the promotion of respect and humane care for animals. The Nova Scotia SPCA relies almost entirely on donations to sustain its animal cruelty investigations unit.

Media requests and inquiries will be most quickly addressed by directing them to Nova Scotia SPCA.