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Anne the elephant

Last updated: 9 May 2005
Anne the elephant Anne the elephant

Do you want Anne to pack her trunk and say 'goodbye' to the circus?

Anne is a 52-year-old Asian elephant - the oldest elephant in the UK and only elephant remaining in a UK circus.

Although Anne no longer performs in the ring at Bobby Roberts' Super Circus, she's used as a photographic prop during the interval at £4 a photograph.

Had Anne remained in Sri Lanka half a century ago, she would, in all probability, be a mother with calves of her own and be living in a large family group.

Today she is on her own over 5,000 miles from the land of her birth.

Born Free campaign

The Born Free Foundation, believes that the use of elephants and other wild animals in circuses is unacceptable, and calls on the British public to support their campaign to "Let Anne pack her trunk and say 'goodbye' to the circus".

Daniel Turner, spokesperson for Born Free, explains: "Research confirms that elephants do not fare well in captivity and often suffer physical and psychological disorders as a result'.  Bobby Roberts' Circus has confirmed that Anne is suffering from arthritis. We are appealing to Bobby Roberts to meet with us to discuss options for Anne's future."

Coronation Street star and Born Free patron, Helen Worth, has seen the recent video footage of Anne at Bobby Roberts Super Circus. She said: "I'm desperately worried about Anne the elephant. She's living on her own, with no companions of her own kind. It breaks my heart."

The Born Free Foundation is appealing to the public to support their campaign to call for an end to the keeping of wild animals in circuses.

Show your support by signing the Born Free petition or call 08707 551303 for a FREE information pack.

The Born Free Foundation will use the petition to call on all political parties to commit to a policy that ends the use of wild animals in circuses in the UK.

Should Anne stay?

Bobby Roberts told GMTV reporter Jonathan Swain that Anne has been part of the circus since she was five. She's treated like a member of the family. Bobby's wife says his animals are treated better than his children.

They also say Anne has access to a vet and she was checked last week. He said she's in good condition considering her age. She's now retired - she doesn't perform anymore, she just comes out for photos because they recognise she has arthritis and she's old. They think she may die from shock if she is taken away.