BIG APPLE CIRCUS
http://www.mssm.edu/peds/big-appl/big-a-c.html
ANIMALS: Elephants, house cats, dogs and horses

The A.L.F. claimed responsibility for setting fire to six vehicles used by the Big Apple Circus on March 27th, 1999. The communique stated that two cabs with trailers were completely destroyed and that three flatbed trucks carrying equipment and one small vehicle were severely damaged. The circus is now stating that they will cease to use elephants due to pressure from animal activists.

CARSON & BARNES CIRCUS
Box J, Hugo, OK 74743
Phone: (580) 326-3173 (office)
Fax: (580) 326-7466
e-mail: alfrieda_wilkins@monterey.edu
http://www.carsonbarnescircus.com
USDA License #73-C-0001
ANIMALS: Elephants, bears, baby giraffe, big cats, etc.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Carson & Barnes for failure to provide shelter from the elements, cages that meet minimum space requirements, for unsound fencing that failed to protect both spectators and the animals, for rusty animal cages, for giving animals unclean water, and for failure to keep records for animal care. Further, Carson and Barnes employees have stabbed elephants with knives and vigorously beaten elephants with bullhooks. This circus travels with more animals than any other circus.

CIRCUS FLORA
634 N. Grand Blvd., Suite 1029 St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 531-6273
USDA license #43-C-101
ANIMALS: One elephant (scheduled for retirement May 26, 2000) and horses

CIRCUS GATTI
34321 Simpson Rd., Hemet, CA 92545
513 E. First St., Tustin, CA 92780
(714) 730-9033
(714) 997-0751
USDA License #93-C-0091

The USDA has cited Circus Gatti for repeatedly failing to provide structurally sound enclosures. Circus trainers have tied up ponies and beat them so violently that the sound of the cracking whip could be heard from the stands. Circus representatives have stated they use electricity to "clean up" the difficult animals.

CIRCUS PAGES
P.O. Box 303, Myakka City, FL 34251
9925 Wauchula Rd, Myakka City, FL 34251
(941) 322-9501
USDA License #58-C-0440
ANIMALS: Two elephants, big cats, etc.

The USDA has cited Circus Pages for failure to have records of veterinary care, and for failure to provide animals with sufficient space and appropriate food. Circus Pages travels with several animals, including two African elephants named Bombi and Daisy. Both elephants were captured in the wild in 1974.

CIRCUS VARGAS
2437 Grand Ave., #150, Ventura Vista, CA 93003
USDA License #93-C-057
ANIMALS: Two elephants, lots of "petting zoo type" animals

The USDA has cited Circus Vargas numerous times for failing to provide shelter from the elements, veterinary care, medical records, and safe travel trailers. Two elephants who were leased from the Hawthorn Corporation by Circus Vargas to give rides to children died of a human strain of tuberculosis. Circus Vargas cares so little about the animals in their "care" that they shipped a sick animal back to Hawthorn rather than provide veterinary care.

CLYDE BEATTY-COLE BROS. CIRCUS
P.O. Box 127 Deland, FL 32721
1038 Martin St., De Land, FL 32720
(904) 736-0071
USDA License #58-C-0080
ANIMALS: elephants, big cats, etc.

In April 1999, the USDA filed formal charges of AWA violations against Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. because the elephants showed signs of being abused with sharp metal bullhooks. They were charged with animal cruelty in August 1999 by a New Jersey humane society for overloading and overworking an elephant. Two elephants, who were described as malnourished and neglected, died suddenly within a two-week period in August 1999. In five separate incidents, Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. elephants have killed two spectators, injured more than a dozen others, and rampaged during performances, which caused tens of thousands of dollars in property damage.

As recently as February, the USDA cited Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. with failure to handle two elephants in a manner that prevents trauma or physical harm and failure to provide adequate veterinary care.

CULPEPPER & MERRIWEATHER CIRCUS
2928 E. Ocotillo Rd., Queen Creek, AZ 85242
(480) 987-3811
USDA License #86-C-0024
ANIMALS: 2 elephants, camel, horses

The USDA has cited Culpepper & Merriweather several times for failure to provide animals with shelter from the elements, enough space to make normal postural adjustments, and proper veterinary care. Culpepper & Merriweather Circus travels with several animals, including two elephants named Barbara and Connie, who were both captured in the wild.

FRANZEN BROTHERS
P.O. Box 1005, Webster, FL 33597
USDA License #58-C-447

Franzen now rents animals out to other circuses and does not appear under the name Franzen Brothers. In 1998, San Benadino, CA animal control officers seized 8 horses belonging to Brian Franzen after the horses were found to be malnourished and sick. Said Franzen, "The horses, it really wasn't my thing." The late founder and owner of Franzen Bros. Circus, Wayne Franzen, was killed by one of his own tigers in front of 200 school children and their families in Carrolltown, PA.

GEORGE CARDEN CIRCUS INTERNATIONAL
Rte. 20, Box 2023, Springfield, MO 65803
USDA License #43-C-0025
ANIMALS: Elephants, big cats, etc.

The USDA has cited George Carden Circus numerous times for failing to provide shelter from the elements, proper veterinary care, adequate and safe enclosures, and for failure to properly handle animals. Trainers have been observed beating elephants and tigers repeatedly to force them to perform. This circus is the one with which Shrine temples throughout the country usually contract.

GREAT EUROPEAN CIRCUS (Tabak, Bela)
8980 Ogleby Creek Rd., Myakka City, FL 34251
USDA License #58-C-0243
ANIMALS: peacocks, dogs, etc.

The USDA has cited Tabak for failure to provide proper handling, veterinary care, environmental enhancement, adequate shelter from the elements, adequate enclosures, and clean water. Tabak was videotaped beating a baby elephant during a September 17, 1994 performance in Lebanon, Oregon. The 15-month-old elephant collapsed, screaming and bleeding. Tabak pleaded no contest to animal abuse charges brought by local authorities. The USDA suspended Tabak's license for 60 days, and Bela Tabak is prohibited from working with elephants for five years. Tabak has toured as the Great European Circus and the Royal American Circus, as well as with the
now-defunct King Royal Circus. In February of 1998, this circus was cited for failing to provide adequate care for a 9-month-old monkey who was found dead in his cage.

HANNEFORD FAMILY CIRCUS
3291 W. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
USDA License #58-C-0126
ANIMALS: Elephants

The USDA has cited Hanneford Family Circus several times for failure to provide proper food, veterinary care records, and secure enclosures. In 1990, Carol, an elephant who is forced to give rides to children, killed an elephant trainer.

HAWTHORN CORPORATION (Cuneo, John)
9819 N. Solon Rd., Richmond, IL 60071
USDA License #33-C-0053
ANIMALS: Elephants and big cats

The USDA has cited Hawthorn Corporation numerous times for failure to provide veterinary care, adequate shelter from the elements, and proper food and water, as well as failure to handle animals in a manner that prevents trauma and harm and ensures public safety. Hawthorn has accumulated $72,500 in USDA penalties and has twice had its license suspended. Four of Hawthorn's elephants died from a human strain of tuberculosis. In January 1997, Hawthorn's herd of 18 elephants was restricted from traveling during tuberculosis treatment. Hawthorn's elephants have rampaged, causing death, injury, and property damage. Hawthorn leases animals to facilities and circuses around the world, including Jordan World Circus, Circus Vargas, Shrine Circuses, Walker Bros. Circus, Royal Palace Circus, George Carden Circus, Hanneford Circus, Hamid Circus, Alain Zerbini, and Tarzan Zerbini.

JORDAN WORLD CIRCUS
4040 S. Pearl St., Las Vegas, NV 89121
USDA License #88-C-0062

The USDA has cited Jordan World Circus numerous times for failing to provide proper veterinary care, proper handling, nutritious food and clean water, shelter from the elements, and exercise and for inadequate and unsafe enclosures. Jordan waited a month to seek treatment for a malnourished tiger with a fractured leg, and it forced another sick tiger to perform. Jordan has left its tigers and lions in small travel cages for up to 11 days without exercise. Jordan uses elephants with a history of aggressive behavior.

KELLY MILLER CIRCUS
P.O. Box 829 Hugo, OK 74743
501 E Jackson St., Hugo, OK 74743
(580) 326-9229
USDA License #73-C-0021
ANIMALS: Elephants, bears, etc.

The USDA has cited Kelly Miller Circus for failure to handle animals in a manner that is safe to the animals and to the public, failure to provide veterinary records, and failure to provide structurally sound enclosures. Kelly Miller Circus leases animals from its sister circus, Carson & Barnes.

KING ROYAL CIRCUS (now traveling in Canada under the name Starr Bros.)
P.O. Box 683, Von Ormy, TX 78073
USDA License #74-C-205

The USDA has cited King Royal Circus numerous times for failing to provide proper veterinary care and appropriate space, and failing to handle animals humanely. On August 6, 1997 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, King Royal Circus crammed 3 elephants and 8 llamas into a poorly ventilated trailer, which resulted in the death of one baby elephant, named Heather. Police estimated the temperature inside the trailer to be approximately 120 degrees. They have been fined over $200,000 and had their license suspended several other times for violations of animal cruelty laws.

LIEBEL CIRCUS
1432 Adair Rd., Davenport, FL 33837
USDA License #58-C-0288
ANIMALS: 2 African elephants and other smaller animals

The USDA has cited Liebel Circus for failure to provide veterinary care, proper food, water, environmental enrichment for primates, structurally sound enclosures, and shelter from the elements.

LYDIA ELEPHANT RIDES (Tesch, David)
3882 Lake Buffum Rd. E., Ft. Meade, FL 33841
USDA License #58-C-0413

The USDA has cited Tesch for failing to provide veterinary care, shelter from the elements, adequate ventilation in the transport trailer, and proper food storage, and for failure to maintain enclosures. Lydia was captured in the wild in 1943. She is afraid of other animals, including dogs. Lydia is considered potentially dangerous by the USDA and has attacked four elephants, killing two and crippling two. Lydia is chained inside the truck for up to 30 hours at one time without being taken out or cared for.

OSCARIAN BROS. CIRCUS (Ramos, Manuel)
12123 Bay Tree Dr., Riverview, FL 33569
USDA License #58-C-0193

The USDA has cited Ramos for failure to provide veterinary care, proper handling, sanitary conditions, structurally sound enclosures, adequate shelter from the elements, and clean water, and for failure to comply with food storage and feeding standards. Four big cats died after Ramos administered de-worming medication without veterinary supervision. An African elephant named Kenya was found dead a few days after she attacked and killed a circus worker. The USDA has suspended Ramos' license and issued a penalty for AWA violations. Florida Fish and Wildlife has charged Ramos with unsafe and unsupervised handling of an elephant and with failure to meet minimum caging requirements.

PLUNKETT BROTHERS CIRCUS
Rte. 3, Box 323, Mabank, TX 75147
USDA License #74-C-144

RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY CIRCUS
8607 Westwood Center Dr., Vienna, VA 22182
http://www.ringling.com
USDA License #58-C-0137 (formerly #58-C-0106)
ANIMALS: Elephants, tigers, horses, dogs, zebras, camels, llamas, etc.

The USDA has cited Ringling for failure to provide veterinary care to a dying baby elephant, maintain records of veterinary care, and provide animals with sufficient space and exercise. In fewer than two years, two baby elephants died, a caged tiger was shot to death, a horse who was used despite a chronic medical condition died during Ringling's traditional animal march, and a wild-caught sea lion was found dead in her transport container. Two units travel the country (red unit and blue). Schedules are posted at circuses.com and ringling.com

ROBERTS BROS. CIRCUS
5619 Antoinette St., Sarasota, FL 34232
USDA License #58-C-0236

The USDA has cited Roberts Bros. Circus for failure to provide sufficient veterinary care, safe enclosures, an exercise plan for animals, and adequate shelter. Roberts Bros. Circus keeps one solitary elephant. Elephants are herd animals who experience stress when they are deprived of the companionship of other elephants.

ROYAL HANNEFORD CIRCUS
2250 Gulf Gate Dr., Sarasota, FL 34231
USDA License #58-C-0035

The USDA has cited Royal Hanneford numerous times for failure to provide veterinary care and failure to meet minimum space requirements. An elephant with Royal Hanneford rampaged during a performance, causing spectators to run for safety. Elephants were recently quarantined due to TB. The circus is now renting elephants from Brian Franzen.

STERLING & REID BROS. CIRCUS
2345 Bee Ridge Rd., Ste. 2, Sarasota, FL 34239
505 Sarasota Quay, Sarasota, FL 34236
(941) 365-7511
USDA License #58-C-0644

This circus is one of the worst. It uses elephants, bears who are forced to ride horses, and wild-caught sharks kept in a traveling tank! The USDA has cited Sterling & Reid for failure to provide veterinary care, shelter from the elements, cages that meet minimum space requirements, and sound fencing that protects both spectators and the animals, as well as for giving animals feces-contaminated food and water. From January 1999 through May 1999, USDA inspectors noted 46 items noncompliant with the AWA. A USDA inspector witnessed exotic cats being struck repeatedly with jagged sticks and a tiger escaping from a tent. The circus was charged with cruelty to animals after humane inspectors found malnourished ponies in a filthy trailer. They were charged 5 times in 4 months for failing to provide animals with a vet-approved diet.

TARZAN ZERBINI CIRCUS (plays mostly Shrine-sponsored circuses)
Rte. 2, Box 195, Webb City, MO 64870
2317 S. Hall St., Webb City, MO 64870
(417) 781-4883
USDA License #43-C-0012

The USDA has cited Tarzan Zerbini Circus for failure to provide a veterinary care program and medical records, and failure to properly maintain transport vehicles. Animals used by Tarzan Zerbini Circus have caused serious injury to children.

WALKER BROS. CIRCUS
410 Houle Ave. Sarasota, FL 34232
USDA License #58-C-110
ANIMALS: Several elephants, chimps

Walker Bros. Circus has been charged with operating without a license, failing to maintain proper records of animal acquisition, disposition and identification, failing to maintain programs of disease control and prevention, and euthanasia, and failing to provide adequate veterinary care under the supervision and assistance of a doctor of veterinary medicine.