Zebra Escapes Circus

Employees from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus have been caught on video tape beating animals and depriving them of their basic needs. The animals seem to be beginning to revolt against their trainers who are "in charge of the animals care."

Not long ago a Ringling elephant escaped from a show and wandered around Columbia, South Carolina. This was dangerous for both the animal and residents of Columbia. The elephant could have become frightened and trampled a person or caused a massive traffic accident if it found its way onto a major highway or interstate. Less than two weeks a zebra broke free from its handler at a Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show in Atlanta, Georgia. This zebras name is Lima and he is twelve-years-old and has likely been with the circus since he was stolen from his mother as a baby.

Lima bolted from the trainers that were supposed to be in charge of his care and found his way onto the busy interstate. Forty minutes after he escaped the local police captured him on an on-ramp of the busy interstate. A Ringling spokesperson said that the zebra ran away from the trainers because it was excited. He was more terrified than excited. The trainers at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus have been video taped using bull hooks, electric prods, and whips to train their animals. Lima was surely frightened and bolted for the nearest escape and change for freedom away from the torture he saw.

The zebra was running loose in very dangerous traffic situations. Not only is this a violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act but it also put the people traveling on the interstate in great danger. No humans were hurt but Lima suffered severe cuts on his hooves. These cuts could lead to infection that would surely kill the animal.

People for the ethical treatment of animals, or PETA is contacting the United States Department of Agriculture to ensure that Lima receives adequate veterinary care for his hoof injuries. They are also requesting that they remove Lima, and eventually all zebras, from the traveling circus. Animals running wild in traffic is a federal violation, so Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus will most likely be charged with that also.

Not only are animals in the circus exposed to constant confinement, painful punishments, and stressful performances, but they are now causing danger to human beings.