Anne the elephant free at last

Anne, who was formally the ‘property’ of Bobby Roberts Super Circus, had spent more than 50 years in captivity. During a three-and-a-half week undercover investigation by Animal Defenders International, the gentle elderly animal was hit with a metal pitchfork and kicked around the face and body 48 times by workers. The same workers are also seen beating and spitting on a camel and beating miniature ponies and horses on numerous occasions.

According to the Director of Operations at Anne’s new home at Longleat, ‘Anne was absolutely fine on the trip. She is settling in well and is very curious and already exploring her new home.’

Thank you to everyone who helped to persuade Bobby Roberts Circus to release Anne. It now looks likely that the government will ban the use of wild animals in circuses. Please continue to campaign on behalf of all the other animals – such as dogs and horses – still imprisoned in circuses.

• Write to your MP at: The House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA calling on him or her to extend the ban on the use of wild animals in circuses to all animals, such as dogs and horses.
• Write to Lord Henley, the Minister responsible for animal welfare at: The House of Lords, London, SW1A 0WP.