SAFE SUPPORTER BULLETIN
CAMPAIGNS X EVENTS X NEWS X ACTIONS X RESCUES X GIVEAWAYS

     

Last weekend SAFE resumed its campaign against circuses with performing animals. This followed news that Jumbo, the 35-year-old African elephant kept by Whirling Bros Circus, was not being retired. We feel Jumbo has been betrayed. It is terribly sad to consider such a majestic beast, reduced to pathetic hopelessness. Jumbo continues to be held captive in a tiny circus trailer.

Who in their right mind pays to gawk at pathetic-looking animals forced to perform stupid tricks? Really? I don’t know who is more pathetic. I can demonstrate little diplomacy and tolerance when I reflect Jumbo has spent 30-plus years imprisoned because her only crime is that she can still lure a paying crowd. So who is ensuring Jumbo continues to suffer?

Obviously the Loritz Circus recognises Jumbo remains a star attraction otherwise they would not have invested large sums of cash. Paying circus goers are typically families with kids. Every child desires a ringside seat to watch all the amazing animals and what parent is willing to say no to a pleading child? We must however remain morally assertive and say no. Unlike Jumbo’s misery and torment, a child’s tears and disappointment will soon pass. At the very least promise to take them to one of the touring animal-free circuses such as Cirque de Soleil where everyone can marvel at true talent.

SAFE has been successful in ridding New Zealand of most suffering circus animals. I personally negotiated the release and rescue of two circus chimps nearly ten years ago. With the will of many generous New Zealanders SAFE was able to send both chimps to a sanctuary in Africa. The same could happen to Jumbo but it will take a mighty amount of will and perseverance to finally see her where she belongs - home on an African range with other rehabilitated elephants. It might be just a wistful dream until the circus considers retiring Jumbo. Until then, Jumbo’s daily nightmare continues.

Anthony Terry
Director













This email was sent by:
SAFE
PO Box 13 366
Christchurch, New Zealand
safe@safe.org.nz
 
 

CIRCUS ON TOUR
Exposing their sad side!
SAFE staged an eye-catching and successful protest outside the newly formed Loritz Circus in Hamilton during the weekend to voice opposition to the continued incarceration of Jumbo, a 35-year-old African elephant. SAFE campaigners held placards and handed out leaflets calling on the public to not attend the circus. SAFE has resumed its campaign against circuses with performing animals following the news that New Zealand’s last remaining wild circus animal was not to be retired. More ...

CIRCUS ALERT!
If the Loritz Circus is heading to your area let SAFE know. Contact SAFE for leaflets and posters to distribute. Please email sacha@safe.org.nz

SAFE GOES GREEN
SAFE staged a wide range of colourful and successful events to coincide with World Environment Day. SAFE’s Christchurch greenies organised a vegan food sample giveaway and handed out over 1000 mock-meat samples to a very receptive public. Hawke’s Bay hosted a talk and film screening and Wellington had Earth Walk. More ...

PROCTOR & GAMBLE UPDATE
SAFE has uploaded to its website images of various actions against Procter & Gamble held recently in many centres around New Zealand. A recent letter about Procter & Gamble published in the Otago Daily Times has also been added. Check it out! More ...

HUMANE EDUCATION RESOURCE RELEASED
After almost 18 months of research and preparation SAFE is delighted to announce the release of the second resource in the Animals & Us humane education series: Animal Rights, Human Values, Social Action. Next month every secondary school in New Zealand will receive this vital resource which will help reinforce the value of animals to school students for years to come. More ...

ATTEND THE EDUCATION RESOURCE LAUNCH!
Teachers and educators in Auckland are invited to attend the launch of SAFE’s second humane education resource, featuring internationally acclaimed author Jeffrey Masson. More ...

SAFE MEETING - CHRISTCHURCH
Thursday 3 July, 7pm at SAFE, Level 1, 145 Armagh St Introducing animals into the classroom. The latest SAFE school booklet in the Animals & Us series has just been released into New Zealand secondary schools. This booklet entitled Animal Rights, Human Values, Social Action introduces the learner to the philosophies and history of the modern animal rights movement and explores how social action is driven by human values. SAFE Education Officer, Nichola Kriek will give an overview of the resource and explain how teachers and students can benefit from exploring the relationship between the human and non-human animal. All welcome!

SNEAK PEAKS AT
THE SAFE SHOP
CRUELTY FREE CANDLES
These beautiful candles are handmade by people living sustainably in South-east India. Buying these candles helps provide a livelihood for many women living in a community called Auroville. More ...

  

21 JUNE 2008 #50



Cosy nights plonked in front of the heater watching DVDs are a great way to survive the chilly season! Add a dash of vegan goodies and you’ve got yourself a recipe for beating the winter blues. This week we are giving away two delicious snack packs valued at $30 each. Each pack includes goodies from Blissful Vegetarian, Eden Coffee, RJ’s Licorice and Whittakers. If you can’t wait to get your hands on these treats then follow the links above and find out what other vegan products these companies have on offer. YUM!

To be in to win simply email SAFE your name, postal address and the answer to the following question: What university has agreed to go battery egg free in its cafes? (Hint: the answer is somewhere on the SAFE website).

Congratulations to Merrin Cavel and Paul Nash for each winning the latest CD, Werecat Lullabies, from the Ragamuffin Children.

HELP RAISE FUNDS
SAFE has 100 flash new donation boxes that need to be placed in busy stores, shops, restaurants and cafes. These boxes not only look great, they also make an excellent addition to shop counters and generate money that helps SAFE continue its important work for the animals.

If you have any suggestions or know an animal-friendly business that would like to host a SAFE donation box, please email chloe@safe.org.nz or call Chloe at the SAFE office on 03 379 9711.