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Watch this clip to see what would be done in preparation for a circus. you can also see Animals in the circus. Stop the video at 4:00.
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a poster advertising an elephant in the circus named jumbo
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Animals in the circusAs much as P.T. Barnum loved showing off his curiosities based on hoaxes, he loved showing animals. He was known for teaching animals specific tricks to show off to the public. His most famous animals were Jumbo the elephant and Salamander the horse. Jumbo was famous for being generally large, and Salamander was known for jumping through flaming hoops. As well as helping Barnum’s publicity, these animals got him into a lot of controversies. He got involved in many cases with the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty towards Animals, or ASPCA.
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a poster advertising a horse named salamander
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How did P.T. Barnum show cruelty towards animals?One instance that was really troublesome for Barnum was when Salamander the horse caught fire when jumping through a hoop in 1880. Barnum tried to get out of it saying that the flames were chemically created to be entertaining. Bergh, not trusting these claims, sent the superintendent of ASPCA, many animal welfare officers, and 20 New York policeman to look over the act to be safe. During a show, Barnum went through the hoop himself. Along with Barnum, 10 clowns, Salamander, and also the superintendent of ASPCA went through the hoop to prove that this act was safe. Many thought Barnum was just making excuses for himself because of how he didn’t want to get caught for the cruelty he put the animals through.
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