Elephant Attacks Handler at Ringling’s Breeding Compound

On April 13, an elephant handler was trampled and critically injured by an elephant at Ringling’s breeding center in Polk City, Florida. Injuries and deaths resulting from altercations between circus handlers and animals are not uncommon in the circus industry.

On May 6, 1993, a Ringling elephant killed her trainer in Gainesville, Florida. The elephant knocked down the 51-year-old trainer and stepped on his chest. On January 7, 1998, Ringling trainer Graham Chipperfield shot a Bengal tiger named Arnie five times while he was locked in his cage, killing him in retaliation for an attack against Graham’s brother, Richard, during a photo shoot. And in November 1998, three tigers escaped from their cage in a Chicago parking lot. A Ringling handler was hospitalized in serious condition with bite wounds over much of his body when he was attacked by one of the tigers.

Elephants are trained through intimidation and beatings. Because every aspect of the elephants’ lives is controlled and dominated, it’s no surprise when captive elephants snap.

What You Can Do to Help

Please write short, polite letters to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to ask that the agency investigate this recent incident and Ringling’s handling practices and safety protocol. Ask the agency to pursue charges and penalties if it determines that the circus has violated the Animal Welfare Act. Please also urge the USDA to inspect the condition of the elephant involved to ensure that the elephant wasn’t harmed by circus staff following this incident:

Chester A. Gipson, D.V.M.
Associate Deputy Administrator
USDA-APHIS-VS
4700 River Rd., Unit 84
Riverdale, MD 20737-1234
301-734-7833
301-734-4993 (fax)
Chester.A.Gipson@usda.gov

Please ask the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to investigate the incident and file applicable charges if Ringling is found to be in violation of Florida Administrative Code §68A-6.0023, which states, “Any condition which results in injury to any person, shall be considered a violation”:

Greg Holder, Regional Director
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
3900 Drane Field Rd.
Lakeland, FL 33811-1299
863-648-3203
863-701-1248 (fax)
gregholder@myfwc.com

Back to Top