This year, the circus’s tigers, elephants, and other animals will not have to perform in Winchester, VA.
Update!
For decades, Cole Brothers Circus has been bringing elephants, tigers, and other animals to the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® in Winchester, VA. Thanks to public outcry and allegations of animal abuse, this year will be different: no animals will appear in Cole Brothers’ act. This was not an ethical decision on the part of the circus or the festival’s planners. Rather, Simon Property Group, which owns the mall property where the circus is held, recently banned all circus animals from its properties. We are happy that Simon held strong to its resolution as the circus has a long history at this location. Hopefully, this will be the end of circus animals at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.
Read our initial post on this issue.
