Campaigners urge circus elephant's retirement

WILL HINE / 136839

NOT HAPPY: Protesters picketing over the treatment of elephant Jumbo outside Loritz Circus in Queenstown on Saturday.

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Queenstown's streets came alive to the beat of political protest on Saturday afternoon as about 20 animal welfare campaigners picketed outside the Loritz Circus in Robins Rd, demanding handlers retire elephant Jumbo to a sanctuary.

Organised by Save Animals From Exploitation, the hour-long protest was conducted peacefully and without incident.

The pachyderm protectionists included several Queenstowners who had read about the protest in the newspaper, and at least one tourist who felt compelled to make her voice heard.

Deborah Bassett, 31, of California, was on holiday in the town when she heard about the demonstration.

"I heard about Jumbo being held prisoner and I wanted to come down and check it out," she said.

"Circuses with elephants in 2009 it's almost laughable."

Group member Karen Swaine said Jumbo was the only elephant used in a circus in New Zealand, with most phasing out the practice.

Elephants were social creatures that needed to be around other elephants, she said. The group wanted Jumbo retired to a sanctuary overseas, Ms Swaine said.

On the other side of the fence, Queenstown mothers Natalie McAuliffe and Keren McSkimming defended the circus.

"We've got kids. How often do they get to see an elephant in Queenstown?" Ms McAuliffe said.

Ms McSkimming said she looked at the conditions Jumbo was kept in, and believed they were superior to that of a zoo. "I wouldn't boycott it unless there was evidence of them mistreating (the elephant)."

Tina Goodman, standing outside Jumbo's enclosure, said she would be back to watch the Saturday- evening performance.

"Since I was a child, I've always known circuses to have elephants. It's a natural thing."

Loritz Circus marketing manager Paul Johnston late last week said Jumbo was not being illl-treated and the circus was doing a wonderful job with welfare.

will.hine@stl.co.nz

- © Fairfax NZ News