Circus Elephants Walk Across Manhattan March 22, 2010
Once again the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus is heading into town and since the circus elephants can’t go up the Penn Station escalators, they need to get off the circus train a stop early in Queens and walk through the Mid-Town Tunnel, and straight across Manhattan to Madison Square Garden.
Posting this event is always controversial because some people feel that watching the circus elephants march across Manhattan is supporting their mistreatment in the circus. On the other hand, I get lots of emails every year asking me when it 's happening. My position is that this is a pretty crazy thing that happens in NYC and I'm letting people know. Do what you like with the information.
To see the circus elephants parade across Manhattan, line up anywhere along 34th Street between the tunnel and Madison Square Garden. The elephants will be approaching the midtown tunnel around midnight on Monday, March 22nd, 2010. Read our viewing tips here.
Obviously this means that The Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus is in town. The circus will be perfroming March 25, through April 4. But there are some other interesting circus acts hitting New York at the same time:
46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes is opening at the New Victory THeater on March 19th-April 4. I love the New Victory's circus shows. You can also sign up for a circus workshop.
The BlackTop Circus is premiering for the first time with its hip hop circus and variety show playing in the Bronx from March 19-21. Tickets from $13.50 for kids, $22 for adults, $20 for mezzanine and $30 for VIP seating. [SHOW CANCELLED]
UPDATE: There is apparently conflicting information on the date for this event. I called Barnum's parent company and they told me that it will be the night of Monday, March 22, so that is the source for the above info.
See the Elephants March Across NYC
Viewing Tips for NYC Elephant March 2010
Kids Go Free to Cole Bros Circus Where Old Fashioned Circus Fun Meets Cirque Nouveau
Comments
Does anyone know how they
Does anyone know how they leave Manhattan after the circus? We missed their entrance.
It is so sad that elephants
It is so sad that elephants and other animals are subject to abuse and forced to perform in ciruses and other entertainment events like Ringling Bros. The abusive practices Ringling uses to get these animals to perform tricks and the shows is documented. These elephants and other animals deserve a much much better life than they are getting in the circus. They need to be sent to sancturaries where they can live the rest of their lives peacefully and in the company of other animals. I believe if people who attend these shows knew what went on behind the scenes they would most likely choose not to attend.
Elephant Walk Mar 22 or Mar 23 2010?
The elephant walk in Manhattan has usually been on Tues night prior to the Ringling Brothers Circus which opens at MSG on Thurs.
Looking for confirmation as to whether it is Monday night or Tues night.
311 NYC does not have info.
Thank you.
How can people be supporting
How can people be supporting such mistreatment for entertainment??! It's outrageous! These elephants should be roaming free in the wild where they belong, and people should use their brains to amuse themselves and do something useful rather than wasteful and ignorant!!
Circus Elephants
Ok, I have two questions...First, is it Sunday into Monday, or Monday into Tuesday. I'm guessing since it's midnight on Monday, it's Monday into Tuesday right?
Also, is this a "big turnout" type of event? I doubt it's like blowing up the balloons on Thanksgiving Eve, but what can I expect crowd wise?
Any suggestions about where the best place to see them is?
Alright, that was three questions, but whatever! I'm excited to see it! :0)
It is Monday night going into
It is Monday night going into Tuesday. You shouldn't have a problem finding a place to view the elephants, although some areas may be more crowded than others.
Thank you for posting this
I know the march (and the entire circus for that matter) is controversial. But finding information about this march is always difficult. So thank you for posting the details.
As far as I see you do not
As far as I see you do not like this coming event with elephants! I do not understand why. As for me, I would look at these giants with great pleasure. I think that it is areal live show. When else can we see elephants in life? Besides I am sure that children will be pleased as well, it is a real performance I believe, we even do not need to go to circus. If you are worrying about safety, I think that everyone understands the importance and seriousness of this event and all measures will be followed. Thank you for you article! I will try to visit this event!
elephant walk
I know its seems harmless but really all of this is supporting animal abuse. These elephants are NOT born to be in captivity. They are not accustomed to being beat daily to perform tricks. Babies are used to being with its mother for years not being stripped away as a baby and left alone all day. I know its hard. I love animals more than life itself. I know you want to actually see the elephants but the circus or "elephant walk" is not the place. PLease understand you ARE supporting their abuse. The Ringling Bros see you people coming to watch the walk and the circus so they think its ok. Thats why there are still circus' because people don't know about the abuse or they do and just go anyway to selfishly entertain themselves. So please, really think about this. Don't support the circus.
I too, used to think like you. I used to say...."Why are those annoying PETA people protesting, its not gonna do anything." MY best friend made me understand that by me thinking that way IS why nothing will change. Now look, I am one more person speaking out for animals, that's all it takes. Animals cannot tell us how they feel, that's why I AM THEIR VOICE, will you be?
Elephant Walk
Jessica
Your posts was very touching and true for me. I join you in speaking out for the animals. It is so sad that these beautiful animals have to suffer for the pleasure of those who enjoy watching them perform.
I am against violence and often do not approve of the tactics of some of the animal protection groups myself. But, I think they have often had to be radical in order to be heard. It makes you wonder what is happening to us that we could sit back knowing that these horrible things are happening and yet we do nothing.....
Let's all speak for those who cannot speak for themselves!!!
I CANNOT believe!!! For the
I CANNOT believe!!! For the life of me!!! Jesus Christ help me stand up!! That there are still ignoramuses in this planet who are not aware of what is happening with animals in these institutions. We are living in a digital age where people still walk this earth uninformed and uneducated. Lazy bastards!
If you didn't know that Ringling Bros. is an abusive entity and continue to support these ignoramus circuses because you find it entertaining, you seriously have a loose screw somewhere....
GOD!!!! I wish I could beat people with a goddamned hook on a stick......
Pisses she shit out of me!!........
Beating Baby Elephants
I can understand your anger and frustration anonymous ...but I must say your comment would carry a lot more weight if you put a name and a face to the post.
I am very shocked that people are still attending circuses with animal acts in this day and age ...for we certainly know that it is not normal for animals to perform in the circus. How could anyone want to go spend their money to watch an animal perform that has been beaten into submission, hurt and injured. I went to one circus in my life and I sensed that the lions were actually afraid of their trainers. I would never attend a circus (with animals) again. I cannot imagine anyone mistreating a baby animal. It is just too disgusting for words. How could anyone want to work at a place like that? I would like to see legislation that would just do away with the circuses (that have animal acts) as it really serves no purpose. You can take you children to the zoo.
For the circus goers...I think the next time you attend, if you will look closely you will see that these animals are depressed....they are not happy and they do not want to be doing what they are doing. That is the reason why they often turn on their trainers. So...I hope that you will do the right thing and stop going to this type circus and vote for laws to protect the animals. We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves!
Bobbi Henderson
For Animal Rights
Wrong date
Performances of the circus begin the 25th which made me skeptical that they'd be doing the elephant walk the night before. It's almost always 2-3 days prior to the show starting.
I emailed them directly and they told me the correct date is the night of the 22nd.
To the poster who asked about the return trip, they do not disclose the schedule for that, unfortunately.
You are correct. I also
You are correct. I also confirmed with them and it is the 22nd. Thank you for catching the error.
do they do the same thing
do they do the same thing when they leave? and if so, when is that?
Does anyone know the route
Does anyone know the route on the Queens side? I live in Astoria and I'd like to watch the elephants from here...
I am betting that they stop
I am betting that they stop near the LIRR tracks near the waterfront Crabhouse and then walk to the mid town tunnel from there.
What's the best time to show
What's the best time to show up? I heard last year they were really late.