After years of intense public pushback, the now-shuttered Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus finally announced the retirement of their Asian elephant performers in 2016. While the decision was a resounding victory for animal lovers and activists, it raised a new issue. The mighty pachyderms were raised in captivity and lacked the skills to survive in the wild. Now, thanks to Florida-based White Oak Conservation, the animals have a new home one where they can roam freely.
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First Published: 10:03 AM PDT, May 7, 2021
The elephants were previously owned by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, but the company retired all of their animals in 2016.
A group of circus elephants are getting settled in their new homes at a wildlife refuge in Florida, and the 12 animals aren’t having much trouble adjusting.The female Asian elephants, that range in age from 8 to 38 years old, arrived at a refuge near Jacksonville, and are now living in a habitat with pine trees, ponds, wet lands and grass lands, according to the refuge.
The elephants were previously owned by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey and the owners of White Oak Conservation, the Walter family, bought the animals. Now, they’re roaming around and venturing off in their new space after having been socialized together for the past two years.
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From ring to refuge: Asian elephants arrive in Northeast Florida
The first wave of elephants arrived safely at White Oak Conservation
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(Photo credit: Stephanie Rutan/White Oak Conservation. Video credit: White Oak Conservation.)
YULEE, Fla. – The first herd of 12 Asian elephants arrived safely in their new forest habitat at White Oak Conservation, a refuge for rare species funded by philanthropists Mark and Kimbra Walter, according to a news release.
They will be joined by up to 20 more former circus elephants as soon as additional areas are completed.
These 12 female elephants, ranging from 8 to 38 years old, previously traveled with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The herd includes two sets of full sisters and numerous half sisters.