JUMBO IS FREE!
Victory! It has taken over three decades of campaigning, determination and wishful thinking, but after 32 years of being cruelly confined inside the back of a truck, Jumbo is free.
23-11-2009 SAFE The Voice for the Animals, New Zealand
SAFE began its campaign to free Jumbo soon after she began performing in New Zealand, however it has been the last 25 years of constantly challenging the circus and the law demanding that elephants have no place in circuses that has really made a difference.
Peaceful demonstrations have been a regular feature outside the circus and have reminded circus goers that away from the glitz and glamour of the arena there are animals that are suffering and frustrated.
JUMBO EFFORT!
SAFE is absolutely thrilled that Jumbo is now on her way to becoming a free elephant. SAFE has been working with the SPCA and Franklin Zoo in an effort to secure Jumbo, so is delighted that her transition from the circus to an elephant sanctuary has begun.
SAFE campaign director Hans Kriek says the release of Jumbo from the circus could not be a better Christmas gift.
"Jumbo has been a sad case of animal exploitation for over 30 years and SAFE has been committed to getting her out of the circus. It has been no small effort and with the aid of the SPCA Jumbo is now on her way to a more deserving life," says Hans.
SAFE's campaign against circuses in New Zealand
1990
New Zealand is home to four touring circuses and hosts many international circuses that bring their menagerie of performing animals with them.
1992
SAFE launches a massive nationwide campaign against the Great International Moscow Circus, which has a collection of performing animals including bears on skates. The campaign attracts widespread media attention that results in huge losses of ticket sales. The promoters issue lawsuits on anti-circus organisers in an attempt to recover costs with little success. Since then, no international circus with animals has visited New Zealand.
1994
A SAFE investigation of the circus leads to a MAF complaint over animal welfare neglect, which results in the imposition of tougher conditions to improve the standard of care of the animals.
1995
Wellington City Council bans circuses with exotic animals after SAFE members lobby councillors.
1999
SAFE successfully frees and rescues two chimpanzee brothers, Buddy and Sonny, who were part of Circus Magic, a New Zealand-based circus. While it took years of battling with the circus owner, SAFE finally manages to successfully release both chimps and send them to the world's largest primate sanctuary in Africa. Both chimps now live a life as free and natural as possible. The circus owner agrees to never use exotic animals again. As a result, New Zealand is home to only one touring circus with performing animals, including the last remaining exotic animal - Jumbo.
2000
Dunedin City Council bans circuses with exotic animals after SAFE members and the community petition the council.
2002
SAFE lodges a submission to Nelson City Council seeking a ban of circuses from council-owned property. The council votes in a ban.
2003
SAFE launches a national public submission campaign to amend the law to prohibit circuses with performing animals. MAF ignores calls to ban exotic animals.
2004
SAFE re-ignites the Free Jumbo campaign against Whirling Bros Circus with the aim of keeping intense pressure on the circus.
2005
SAFE mounts over 40 protests against the circus.
2006
SAFE continues to challenge the circus and gains widespread media attention.
2007
SAFE lodges complaint with MAF after SAFE investigators carefully monitor the circus and determine it is not complying with minimum welfare standards. Protests continue.
Whirling Bros Circus owner Tony Ratcliffe sells Jumbo to the Loritz Circus after promising to retire Jumbo.
2008
SAFE opens up negotiations with the Loritz Circus to relocate Jumbo to a sanctuary and begins researching potential elephant sanctuaries.
SAFE volunteers continue to protest outside the circus and gain positive media stories about what is wrong with circuses.
2009
SAFE mounts its largest level of campaign activity, staging over 35 protests against the circus in six months.
Launches Animals on Show, a world-class humane education resource for secondary schools, which highlights the plight of animals used in the entertainment industry.
SAFE's campaign team begins negotiating Jumbo's release with MAF officials, SPCA, elephant experts and the circus.
SAFE persuades a world-class elephant sanctuary to agree to take Jumbo, and begins to investigate transport options to the USA.
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CIRCUS PROTEST SUSPENDED
SAFE has suspended protests against the Loritz Circus as it appears the circus has temporarily withdrawn Jumbo the elephant from its shows.
SAFE campaign officer Eliot Pryor says Jumbo hasn't performed since SAFE's last protest in Manukau.
"As long as this situation lasts, SAFE will not protest outside the circus, but we will keep a watchful eye on the situation," says Eliot.
SAFE would also like to congratulate the management at the Ellerslie Racecourse for sharing concerns over Jumbo's welfare when it was brought it to their attention.
(Bron: http://safe.org.nz/)
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