Las Vegas Sun

November 9, 2009

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Letter: Baby elephants suffered cruel fate

Wednesday, Aug. 18, 1999 | 9:48 a.m.

Both died at an age when baby elephants should still be nursing and inseparable from their mothers and families. How tragic they were taken from their families and forced to endure a life of chains, traveling and isolation.

Benjamin was in Las Vegas last June with Ringling Brothers at the Thomas & Mack. Those of us who observed him and baby Shirley felt so bad seeing them tugging on their short chains, rocking back and forth with nothing to do but wait to entertain their next audience. I'm reminded of babies in the wild we've all seen on PBS or National Geographic, playing in the water, running free, being protected by their family with no fear or worries. Benjamin and Kenny's lives, however, were quite different.

Rest in peace Benjamin and Kenny, and all the others that died while being forced to travel and perform for applause. Death is the only way out for you.

LINDA FASO

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