Animal acts return

Here's a nice article that Bob Lessard sent: Animal acts return2-8997By Max Bowen/ mbown@cnc.comFriday, June 9, 2006 - Updated: 12:03 PM ESTAfter a two-year hiatus, Jewel and Tina are packing their trunks and heading back to Abington. The decision to bring back the two elephants is part of the Cole Bros. Circus’ continuous goal to make each year’s performance fresh and new, according to Renne Storey, vice president of administration for the circus. Since the elephants were removed from the roster in 2004, the circus has received much feedback from patrons who wanted them to come back. "People were saying they really missed the elephant rides," said Storey. "It’s not something that can be replicated." This year people can ride the elephants to their heart’s content. Along with providing a bird’s eye view of the one-acre performing area at Memorial Field, the animals will walk around the big top, salute, and even stand on their heads. Storey said Tina and Jewel’s performances will only involve behaviors seen in the wild. "The only difference is they do it in response to a trainer," said Storey. This year the circus will be replete with animals acts. In addition to the return of the elephants, this year will see the debut of Craig Roger’s amazing "Air Mutts," a group of canines who engage in an aerial display of Frisbee catches. Storey said Roger got into the circus business quite by accident, when his dog broke her leash one day and began chasing a Frisbee thrown her way. The Moulin Rouge Poodles, another new addition to the circus, are a style show of acts directed by Rafael Abuhadba. Professor Elmo and his Painted Pony Posse round out the debut animal performers. Elmo, a former linguistics major who decided to go to clown college, has spent six year raising show ponies. One of the highlights of this act is Snickers the Educated Pony. "He adds very entertaining comedy highlights," said Storey. "There are all kinds of amazing feats." This will be the 25th year the circus has returned to Abington. Special events are planned including a display of photos of the past 25 years and a giant cake to mark the event. The money from the circus will go to the Night Before the Fourth. Two years ago the circus was hit with allegations of animal abuse. Animal rights groups claimed the trainers used bull hooks to force the elephants to perform their tricks. Circus officials claimed alleged wounds caused by the hooks were actually ingrown hair follicles. In an effort to dissuade such claims, the circus has invited protesters to view the circus and see for themselves that no abuse takes place. Few have accepted the invitation. "Every so often we get a thinking person here to come to meet us, and learn we are normal people and we like the animals," said Storey. "They might go back home with a slightly altered view of the circus." Not everyone shares this viewpoint. State Sen. Robert Hedlund, R-Weymouth, introduced a bill two years ago that would ban non-domestic animal entertainment. It was recently approved by the tourism committee, and is expected to go before the Senate next week. Acts featuring domesticated animals, such as dogs or cats, would not be banned. Hedlund said these animals have evolved through domestication to a point where they can be trained through positive reinforcement. "If parents knew the cruel and abusive training methods used behind the scenes to get an elephant to perform unnatural acts, they wouldn’t want their kids being a part of it," said Hedlund. "If they knew the tortuous methods to separate the elephants from their babies, they would be horrified." According to documents provided to the Mariner by Hedlund’s office, the circus has had a long and documented history of incidents involving its more exotic animal acts, as well as citations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). On July 31, 2004, Apollo, a 7-year-old white Bengal tiger, escaped from the circus while they were performing in New York. The tiger wandered around the city, and the sight of him caused a multi-car accident that injured four adults and one child. "They are dealing with animals that can lash back," said Cheryl Jacobson, director of the Living with Wildlife program, a part of the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who fully support Hedlund’s bill. "They spend the majority of their time in cages." In 2003, the USDA cited and fined the circus $2,750 for "improper handling of an elephant" after receiving a videotape of a trainer hitting an elephant with a broom. The trainer was fired. "I thought this was a frivolous issue," said Hedlund. "That’s until I looked at it." Storey said having protesters at the circus often helps to publicize the event. "When they come the media follows," said Storey. "We don’t have to call them and come here, the protestors do that." Ticket information The circus will be in Abington on Monday, June 26, and Tuesday, June 27, and will be located on Memorial Field with show times of 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. each day. Tickets are now on sale weekends at the committee ticket wagon in the parking lot of the Miracle East Restaurant on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Tickets are also on sale at Storage USA on Route 18 in Abington, Mike & Dave’s Barber Shop in North Abington Center, and at Douglas Jewelers in Rockland Center. Ticket prices are $15 for Adults and $10 for children and Senior Citizens. Reserved seats are $2 additional and VIP seats are $5 additional. Free kids coupons are at all outlets and at area merchants. For more information call 781-857-2996.