Carson & Barnes Circus

RIGHT TO WORK

"My name is Barbara. I am 53 years old. I came to this country when I was three years old. My parents stayed behind but I was lucky, I was placed in a good home with people who loved, valued, and respected me. I received an excellent education and have always been able to support myself. I worked hard. I never had babies like most of my friends. (Couldn't find the right mate, I guess.) I don't miss being a Mom because I have a circle of close friends, and many people in my extended family who truly care about me, watch out for my well-being and demonstrate their love for me, daily.
I got a job acting when I was very young - and I really learned how to work a crowd (manipulate their emotions, you might say.) I love showing off for children of all ages. I have personally brought joy and delight to over 5 million of them. I've taken bows for my work, after more than 20,000 performances. Applause enlivens me!
I love to eat. I'm what is known as a "good-sized" gal. My very favorite food is watermelon.
I've been thinking about slowing down, partial retirement, you might say - or at least turning over some of the physical part of my work to the younger set. My manager agrees and this year we're experimenting with me not helping to put up the tent.

Some fanatics (humaniacs) are trying to prevent me from working at all. They don't understand me. They don't know what drives me - what thrills me - what urges me forward every morning. My journey has been with the circus and it has taken me all over this great country. That is my path, it is my life. Performing in the show is what brings me joy. It is the fulfillment of my life!"
-Barbara the Elephant
August, 2000

Barbara and Barbara at about 8 years of age

Barbara and Barbara today

Carson & Barnes participated in Dr. Ted Friend's USDA-sponsored research project on the transportation of performing elephants, lions and tigers. (see Friend's letter of 5/30/2000 to Barbara and Geary Byrd). Dr. Friend said, "the Carson & Barnes Circus is certainly a leader in providing performing elephants the best living environment possible." (among other nice things)

The data suggests that elephants are not stressed when they travel and find the life "quite acceptable," and that working elephants are in better physical condition, have more muscle tone, greater stamina and less excess fat than their sedentary counterparts. (From testimony of Deborah Olson). Between July1987 and July 1997, 90% of elephants born in circuses were live-born compared to just under 60% in zoos, with the superior physical fitness of circus elephants being an important contributor to this success. (from the testimony of Dr. Dennis Schmitt, professor of animal science with a DVM, PhD, and board certified in veterinary reproduction by the American College of Theriogenolgy, before the House subcommittee hearing Rep. Farr's bill.)

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