I got an email notification that they will be playing at a venue in Indy. I have never been to the circus and know nothing about it, but it peaked my interest.

Has anyone ever been to this show? Would it be age-appropriate for a 3 year old? How long was it? Any other info as well would be appreciated. Just want to know more about it so I can see if it's something Natalie might enjoy.
TIA

By Kellyj on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 05:03 pm:

We attended their show in the spring. My daughter is 4 and enjoyed it. She did get bored with a few of the acts but for the most part it held her interest. I think that it was less than 2 hours. It had an intermission. Before the show they had stuff going on in the ring to meet the clowns, see the animals and participate in activities.

By Chai~latte on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 07:05 pm:

I have never been and won't go.

Not sure how you feel about this and I'm not being critical or trying to start a debate but there are have been some questions raised recently regarding the ethical or unethical practices of how these animals are trained and treated.

Just wanted to bring it to your attention. You might just want to Google it and read for yourself and decide from there.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 07:50 pm:

Thanks for the info so far. Kellyj- exactly the info I needed! Chai~latte- I assumed since it was Ringling Bros. that the animals involved were treated appropriately. I know that tiny unknown circus events have a reputation, but thought Ringling was reputable. I definitely would not want to give them my $ if that appears to be true, so thanks for the tip.

By Reds9298 on Wednesday, September 5, 2007 - 08:02 pm:

Okay, I've been researching the animal rights issue and all I can say is WOW. I'm shocked and appalled at the info and the ongoing case(s) at this point against Ringling. We will NOT be going. Thanks for the info - I would never have considered it until we got there and saw the brochures, fliers, and animal rights people at the gates. Then I would have been regretting the choice to go and been stuck with a 3 year old that wants to see the circus.

By Melanie on Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 09:47 am:

I applaud your decision, Deanna. I, too, am very much against the circus and would never attend one. I am glad you researched it for yourself.

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 11:05 am:

I read this last night and decided to not say anything because I wouldn't truly be answering your question. (And, Chai answered it very eloquently.)
I am also very opposed to the circus. We barely can stomach the zoo and keeping animals caged. But, I believe zoo's can protect some animals from harm but I still have a hard time seeing lions, monkeys, etc caged up. When I taught Biology, I refused to keep any animals that the kids brought in. We already impede on their land enough as it is.
Blah blah blah...off soapbox.

By Mrsheidi on Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 11:15 am:

Video on Circus animal treatment (There's also a link on that page for animal-free circuses)

Website

By Reds9298 on Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 01:14 pm:

I think zoos are very beneficial to wild animals for the most part. For those that are caged, they still have a great life IMO, although maybe not that of a typical wild animal. My DH is a biology guy and worked briefly in a zoo for research. There are so many good things that come from zoos, including the breeding of endangered animals, education for the public, general research on different species. We've been to 3 zoos this year alone, and will probably make yet another trip before the season ends. There is a small zoo, funded by Purdue University near here, where Natalie takes a zoo educ. class once a month with animals that are caged most of the time. All of the animals are like pets to the staff, and Natalie and the other children in her class have learned so much each month about each animal. Sorry, but I had to get on my own soapbox about zoos! DH "caged" ,tagged, and recorded lots of animals/insects during college for research and study, all to learn more about a species. Putting an animal in a cage and using abuse to get them to perform tricks is totally different than ethically and lovingly caring for animals for the good of their species and human education.

I saw the links for several videos of animal treatment in zoos, but I didn't watch any of them simply because I can't handle it! If the videos are right there, I'll take their word for it.

I'm glad Chai~latte brought it up, because I just naively thought that a reputable circus would not have these issues. It never crossed my mind really, simply because of the name. I'm always learning something from this board!

By Amecmom on Thursday, September 6, 2007 - 01:59 pm:

I found a very goos article from CBS News that seems to be fair and balanced. Cut and paste, please.
Ame
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/06/03/national/main1680036.shtml?CMP=ILC-SearchStories