The Great Pages Circus, a once-popular traveling show, has faced numerous allegations of animal abuse and neglect. While the circus ultimately shut down, its controversial history raises important questions about the ethics of animal entertainment.

Documented Instances of Abuse

• Video Evidence: In 2016, disturbing video footage emerged showing Great Pages Circus trainers violently whipping and beating a tiger after the animal became frightened during a performance. ([Reference 1])
• PETA Investigations: Animal rights organization PETA has long documented concerns about the treatment of animals at the Great Pages Circus, citing cramped enclosures, inadequate veterinary care, and the use of harsh training practices. ([Reference 2])
• USDA Violations: The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had cited the Great Pages Circus for various violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failure to provide animals with sufficient space, clean water, and proper veterinary care. ([Reference 2])

Consequences and Closure

The backlash to the exposed cruelty contributed to the Great Pages Circus's ultimate closure. Here's what happened:

• Public Outcry: Animal rights activists staged protests outside the circus, and widespread media coverage of the abuse video led to a decline in ticket sales and public support.
• Financial Strain: Growing public opposition and boycotts put a significant financial strain on the circus.
• Closure: In 2018, the Great Pages Circus announced its shutdown, citing changing public sentiment toward animal entertainment.

The Ethical Debate

The Great Pages Circus controversy highlights the ongoing debate about using wild animals for entertainment. Questions remain:

• Animal Welfare: Does keeping animals in captivity and forcing them to perform unnatural tricks constitute inherently cruel treatment?
• Conservation vs. Exploitation: Do circuses play any significant role in wildlife conservation, or is their use of animals primarily commercial?
• Changing Ethics: Is there a shift in public opinion away from traditional animal-based entertainment towards cruelty-free alternatives?

References

1. PETA: Circus Pages Shuts Down, Ending Years of Shocking Animal Abuse: https://www.peta.org/blog/circus-pages-shuts-down/
2. The Great Pages Circus – Autism & Go: https://autismandgo.com/the-great-pages-circus/

The Future of Animal Entertainment

The case of the Great Pages Circus and similar instances of animal abuse in entertainment raise awareness about the ethical concerns surrounding animal-based shows. As public attitudes change, greater scrutiny and pressure can pave the way for a more compassionate future where wild animals are protected, not exploited for profit.