By Laurie Gelb

Recently, while dining with family in Gettysburg, I saw a poster advertising the Loomis Circus coming to nearby Cumberland Township. What troubled me most was that this traveling circus promotes acts featuring tigers and an elephant.

My concerns about the use of wild animals in entertainment deepened after a volunteer visit to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, a refuge for elephants retired from zoos and circuses. Learning the stories of these animals—the conditions they endured and the long recoveries many required—was heartbreaking. Seeing such intelligent, social animals in a setting designed around their needs reinforced my belief that traveling circuses cannot provide appropriate care.

Elephants and big cats have complex physical, social, and behavioral needs that are difficult, if not impossible, to meet in a constantly moving circus environment. Animal welfare advocates have long raised concerns about confinement, transport stress, and training practices associated with some traveling animal acts.

Public attitudes have shifted significantly in recent years. Ringling Bros. ended its elephant performances in 2016, reflecting growing concern about the use of wild animals in entertainment. Many states and local communities have since enacted restrictions or bans on such acts.

How we treat animals reflects our values as a community. I believe we should not support entertainment that depends on the exploitation of wild animals for performance.