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THOUSANDS DEMAND ELEPHANT BE REMOVED FROM RINGLING BROS CIRCUS
Campaign on Change.org calls on the USDA to remove circus elephant who collapsed from Ringling Bros., citing concern for animal’s health and history of Animal Welfare Act violations
WASHINGTON, DC – More than 2,000 people across the U.S. and Canada have joined a campaign on Change.org, started by a California resident concerned by the collapse of a Ringling Bros elephant in Anahaim, Calif., calling on the USDA to remove the ailing animal from the circus.Laura Goldman, an animals blogger and California-based activist, launched the campaign on Change.org after seeing the video of Sarah, the 53-year-old elephant, collapsed on the ground beside a Ringling Bros boxcar. Just two months ago, the USDA cited Ringling Bros for violating the Animal Welfare Act by failing to treat Sarah’s chronic medical problems; meanwhile, the circus boasts that the sick elephant has never missed a performance.
“About 20 years ago, before I was really aware of circus animal abuse, I went to a Ringling Bros. show in Anaheim,” said petition creator Laura Goldman. “I was appalled by the sight of the elephants all wedged together with chains around their legs, standing on the hot asphalt in the parking lot. All these years later, I wonder if Sarah was one of those miserable elephants.”
“Sarah has an untreated, chronic infection that experts say can be fatal if not addressed, yet Ringling insists she’s perfectly healthy and continue forcing her to perform,” the petition creator continued. “I started the petition on Change.org because she’s suffered for too long already and needs to be removed from the circus.”
In less than a week, more than 2,000 people have signed the online campaign on Change.org, the world’s fastest growing platform for social change. Animal Defenders International has already filed a formal complaint on Sarah’s behalf and the growing support from people across the continent adds to the pressure on the USDA to act. Protesters are planning demonstrations at upcoming Ringling Bros events in California and other locations.
“We’ve seen an incredible outpouring of concern for this elephant’s welfare after her collapse,” said Change.org Senior Organizer, Stephanie Feldstein. “Thousands of people worry that she’s in serious danger, especially as Ringling Bros continues to make Sarah perform after her fall. It has been remarkable to watch as more than 2,000 people join in to ask the USDA to step in before it’s too late.”
Live signature totals from the campaign:
http://www.change.org/petitions/tell-the-usda-remove-the-collapsing-elephant-from-the-ringling-bros-circusVideo of collapsed elephant:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8X7jbxiy29Y -
thistle feeders seem empty…strange?
While the feeders containing finch mix are absolutely mobbed… thistle feeders appear to have no customers these days. Thistle (or nyjer seed) is kept fresh, as these feeders do not sit too long without changing the seed. Goldfinches have one of the latest nesting seasons, and chicks are fed thistle seed almost exclusively – so it seems strange to me that the thistle feeders are just about void of any birds?There are lots of electric yellow Goldfinches in the yard right now, but they seem to prefer the finch mix, and the birdbaths! While we use a pretty standard thistle feeder, these Wave Thistle Feeders are on the wish list. High quality, hand crafted thistle feeders that are made in the USA. What a groovy design! They’re also made for dispensing black oil sunflower.
Male Goldfinch drinking at birdbath dripper Goldfinches will molt soon, as the fall migration gets underway. It happens to be their second molt of the season… one of very few wild birds with two molting processes in the same year. Olive-drab and browns will soon replace the vibrant yellow plumage, but these birds will stick around if habitat is good. So keep thistle feeders fresh and full to provide goldfinches a steady diet, and keep these sweet songbirds in your yard year-round.
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what makes a good bird feeder pole?
First and foremost, any yard accessory should look good and be somewhat pleasing to the eye…. for you and feathered friends alike! Black or hunter green metal is pretty much a standard when it comes to a bird feeder pole as these colors go well in the landscape. Powder coating is a beneficial feature on better poles as they’ll have a longer life.They say variety is the spice of life, so a bird feeder pole kit like this one could really be where it’s at for birds. Why? A tray for water, a tray for suet, and three substantial hangers are enough to offer many species a veritable smorgasbord! The suet tray could also accommodate a variety of tasty tidbits, including fruit, shelled peanuts, crumbles, or even a mealworm dish.
With the big fall migration in gear, there’s a good chance you’ll catch some new and interesting migratory vis
itors at a bird feeder pole setup like this. Taller poles are easier to spot and help to keep birds safe from ground predators. Should squirrels be a problem, a simple wrap-around pole baffle will put an end to their shenanigans for good.Set out the red carpet for fall migratory birds by providing a water source and high energy foods like suet, sunflower hearts, peanuts and fruit. The extra energy these calories provide will certainly help migratory birds on their lengthy journey to winter breeding grounds. Place a new bird feeder pole in your landscape and see it come alive with the song and color of wild birds!
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