By Russell E. Emmons (Russemmons) on Wednesday, September 6, 2006 - 04:21 pm:
Andrew S. probably says it best. I didn't want to say it on my previous posts but malnourishment, unclean conditions, even beatings and cruelty were common to performing animals particularly in the traveling shows, Circuses, Carnivals in those days. That was before or during the times animal/wildlife protection groups came about thanks to Teddy Roosevelt and other dignitaries taking public and legal stands for the protection and preservation of wildlife of most all species! Teddy Roosevelt established the first National Wildlife Refuges, National Parks systems for these very reasons. Prior to that birds of many species were slaughtered wholesale by the thousands just to get the beautiful feathers for ladies millenery (hats) or dresses! Some of these species still have not recovered to this day! We all know about the Passenger Pigeon and the Bison --and even the Grizzlys were (are?) in danger! Luckily Black Bears are doing OK across the continent!
Another recent incident besides Steve Irwin comes to mind--his name escapes me, the famous performer who was severly mauled by his beloved White Tiger!
Nevertheless, a very interesting post here. The photos really not too bad at all considering their age!