Joplin Tragedy, Elephant Exploited by Circus Promoter

On May 22, a tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri, damaging or destroying much of the town. Many people were killed or injured. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this tragedy. Anyone who has not been through such a disaster cannot fully imagine how it feels to have your world turned upside down in moments. All help is welcomed.

Enter Zack Garden, promoter of the Piccadilly Circus, and an elephant named Okha. They had been scheduled to perform in the local arena that was instead needed as a makeshift hospital. An offer was made by the circus to use their elephants to help clear debris. City officials declined the offer.

Instead of their arena show, performers and crew of the circus entertained small groups and handed out treats. That's a great idea. But handlers also put a harness on Okha and took her into the wreckage. The media was all around, and they just can't resist an unusual story that looks heartwarming.



Any sensible person will wear sturdy shoes and heavy work gloves while working in a debris field. You need to protect your skin from the twisted metal, shattered glass, shredded wood and broken concrete. But an elephant doesn't have gloves or shoes. Although they are known for having thick skin, it is actually as sensitive as ours. Walking on hard man-made surfaces and through the wreckage puts them at risk for cuts and scrapes. Sharp items can become embedded between their toes or in the soft pads of their feet. This causes pain, infection and lasting damage if it is not treated promptly and properly.

Watching video of this event, I see that members of the public are close to the elephant. Generally the public is kept a safe distance from elephants when they are being moved in or out of an arena. This is for protection, in case the elephant breaks away from the handler. Here the elephant is in an unfamiliar environment, being asked to pull the painfully heavy weight of a vehicle. If she would break away, people would likely trip and fall into the debris while trying to get out of her way. She is also bobbing her head, a sign of distress.



According to the promoter, the elephant worked for only two hours before they stopping. That was long enough to generate publicity for the circus. A quick search brought up 35 articles, both national and local coverage. Lots of photos and video of an elephant dragging a few things out of the rubble. It hardly matters whether or not you support keeping elephants in captivity or using them for hard work. What was really accomplished in those two hours, helping a town to clear debris or promoting the circus?

Note: Here are some ways to help the people of Joplin, MO.

Stop the Show

We've learned that The Liebling Family Circus, featuring Nosey the elephant, has been hired to perform in Memphis, IN, on October 1, 2010. Please join us in contacting the sponsor to request that they cancel this circus.

Info for organizer:

Greg Alexander, Trustee Union Township Beautification15615

Highway 31 Memphis, IN 47143

Email: dishaaa0079@yahoo.com

Phone: (812) 294-3077

For those of you who may not be familiar with Nosey and her owners, she is an African elephant who has been deprived the company of other elephants for 22 years. She is owned by Otto Liebel, who operates this small, family circus. He, his wife and their three older children all perform and operate the circus. They currently travel with Nosey and a group of ponies. One pony performs in the show, and more are used for rides, attached to the spokes of a riding ring.

On a recent swing through Iowa and Illinois, several concerned citizens reported a laundry list of problems with this operation. One visitor told of the ponies being hooked up to the ride mechanism all day long with no breaks even though rides were only offered before and after the shows. They were unable to rest, stretch or lie down. When one wanted to walk, they all had to walk. No one cleaned up after them, so they walked round and round through their feces and urine.

Mrs. Liebel has a pony act. During one performance the pony tried to break free. He bucked and charged the small, portable fencing that defined the ring. A section of this fencing was pushed into a member of the audience, and the pony almost landed on top of that man. A hot, halogen light on a pole tipped precariously, and other audience members had to catch it before it landed on them or the grass.

Another visitor told of bringing her family to the circus, becoming sickened by the sight of the dirty operation, and leaving without going to the show. The family witnessed the handlers taking delight in tossing hay just beyond Nosey's reach. Rebukes by the family were greeted with more laughter. No water was offered.

Undercover video documents Nosey being struck on her head with the bullhook before entering the ring. Other video and photos show her being forced to perform painful maneuvers while lifting and carrying the teenage performers. After the show, the public was invited to ride or feed her. The handler turned away and allowed the public direct, unsupervised contact. He was unaware of a boy teasing Nosey, nor was he in a position to control her had there been any problem.

This circus is a danger to the animals and the general public. Please send a polite message to the sponsor mentioned above and ask them to not allow the Liebel(or Liebling) circus to perform in their community. More photos, video and information on Nosey, and a fax you can send to the USDA on her behalf, is available here.