For the First Time in 88 Years, L.A. Shrine Circus Won’t Use Animals

After 88 years featuring elephants and other exotic animals in their shows, the Los Angeles Shriners announced on Monday that they will not use animals in this year’s circus.

The Shriners have long been criticized for the mistreatment of their circus animals, but have been able to avoid legal problems because they don’t own the animal performers used in their shows. Their animal exhibitors’ abuse and neglect over the years endangered human performers, guests, and their children, not to mention the animals themselves.

Los Angeles’ recent ban on bullhooks may have contributed to the Shriners’ choice to stop using animals. The city considers the spiked hooks to be inhumane, but it is difficult to force elephants to perform without them.

California-based Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) President Ed Stewart commended on the Shriners’ change of heart: “No matter the Shriners’ decision to go animal-free this year, it’s an important sign of the times. Animal circuses are inhumane, outdated and they should be a thing of the past.” Eight countries across Europe and South America have banned wild animals in their circuses, but the U.S. is still behind.

Hopefully, the L.A. Shriners’ decision will influence other Shrine circuses nationwide, and all U.S. circuses as a whole. Last Saturday, three elephants escaped from the children’s ride section of a Shrine Circus near St. Louis and damaged cars in the parking lot. These elephants performed again on Sunday morning, but perhaps the negative press surrounding this incident and the L.A. Shriners’ choice to move forward can be an inspiration. The L.A. shows are scheduled for April 11 – 13 in the Al Malaikah Shrine Center at Jefferson Boulevard and Figueroa Street, and PAWS will be in the audience. We wish the Shriners much success in this year’s L.A. circus, and hope it will show that circuses can be even more fun without wild animals.

Image Source: Marion Doss/Flickr