Former Circus Elephants Arrive in Incredible Florida Sanctuary to Retire Among Forest and Grassland (Video)

The animals at the Ringling Bros have been performing at the venue every single night, and now they have retired from their profession after a few years. Around 35 different Asian elephants who were previously under the care of the Ringling Bros, and the Bailey and Barnum Circus have now been welcomed to a Florida reserve with a size of 2,500- acres where they would be able to enjoy their retirement.

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Circus Elephants Deserve All The Love They Get

The circus elephants would find accommodation at the White Oak Conservation refuge, which is located in Yulee. This has been said to be the largest single residence for the herd of Asian elephants in the entire Western Hemisphere. The refuge, which has an area of 4 square miles, is definitely the best scenario for these mammals – as they have always lived in captivity, and have no idea how to survive in the wilderness. Mark and Kimbra Walter, the philanthropists who have spearheaded this project, have stated that they are absolutely elated that they could provide these mammals with a place they would be able to explore around, without any fear.

The Journey of the Circus Elephants Towards Freedom 

Michelle Gadd of TWF has stated that it would give the circus elephants a chance to just be elephants- in an environment that is closest to their original surroundings, but much safer. This was stated in an interview with National Geographic. It was planned that after a limited period which would be spent on catching up with the herd and the family dynamics, the first group of mammals would be transported in pairs. They would be crossing 200 miles – from Ringling Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida to their new place of residence. 

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The first group of circus elephants was transported back on the 3rd of May, and the next group would be arriving in the very near future. Nick Newby, the lead elephant carer at White Oaks’, stated that watching the elephants walk out into their habitat was quite a tearjerker. He felt elated simply watching these beautiful animals exploring their new home.

Image Credits: White Oak Conservation

By Mayukh Saha / Truth Theory