Where would you find human beings flying overhead with just a few bars or ropes for support? Or tightrope walkers nimbly walking on what seems to be thin air? Or jugglers, magicians, clowns and unicyclists?
In today’s Word Search, you’re going to the circus! Click start to play.
Circus companies, especially travelling ones, were a major form of entertainment in the first half of the 20th century in the US. However, the lights and music of the circus often cast a dark shadow when animals were involved.
According to UK-based nonprofit World Animal Protection, wild animals used in circuses spend nearly 96 per cent of their entire lives in cages or in chains. And the cages are so small that big cats like lions and tigers are barely able to turn around – they develop sores and stress-related behavioural issues because of it.
The American animal rights organisation People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) shares video footage of animal training sessions on its website, which show elephants beaten with bull-hooks and shocked with electric prods. Circus trainers are known to abuse animals with all sorts of inhumane devices.
It’s no wonder that every major American circus that uses animals has been cited for animal welfare violations, according to World Animal Protection. As awareness about animal abuse increased in the middle of the 20th century, amid mounting pressure to stop exploiting animals for entertainment, many major circus companies around the world have folded up their tents.
Now, most circuses that exist focus on using human talent and abilities to create a spectacular show. And for the sake of animals everywhere, let’s prefer it that way!
Play today’s Word Search and tell us if you enjoyed it at games@gulfnews.com.
