Animal activists to protest circus 'cruelty'

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CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Jumbo, 35, awaits his first night's performance at the Queenstown Primary School sports ground, unaware of the controversy surrounding her.

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A Queenstown animal activist group will protest the captivity of Jumbo the elephant at Loritz Circus on Saturday.

The Queenstown branch of Save Animals From Exploitation (Safe) will protest what it says is the cruel treatment of Jumbo, 35, in front of the Loritz Circus in Queenstown.

Christchurch-based Safe campaign officer Sacha Dowell said the circus breached national codes of animal welfare, tethering Jumbo and keeping him for prolonged periods in a cramped trailer.

"(Jumbo) is showing signs of extreme psychological distress," she said.

Elephants were social creatures and it was cruel to isolate them from other elephants, Ms Dowell said.

It would be in Jumbo's best interest to be retired to a reserve, she said.

There were several possible locations in the United States and Australia.

"They (the circus) made it clear they wouldn't release her without money."

Loritz Circus market manager Paul Johnson said some Safe members were out of control and quite aggressive.

"They need to stop protesting and come up with some viable alternatives," he said.

Jumbo was not being ill-treated and was only tethered occasionally at night for safety reason, he said.

"Jumbo is happy. I believe we are doing a wonderful job with welfare," he said.

Earlier this month in Christchurch, Loritz Circus accused animal welfare activists of trying to release Jumbo, a claim that was denied by Safe.

The circus will be in Queenstown for a week before going to Wanaka.

- © Fairfax NZ News