GLENPOOL, Okla. — The City of Glenpool has canceled the elephant rides announced for their Red, White & Boom Bash after facing significant public backlash.
On Friday, the City of Glenpool announced on their Facebook page that Viola and Isa, two Asian elephants from the Endangered Ark Foundation, would be at the city’s festival providing rides to attendees.
According to the post, each elephant ride would cost $10 and a portion of the proceeds would be donated to the Endangered Ark Foundation.
On their website, the foundation states “The Endangered Ark Foundation is a private non-profit dedicated to ensuring the future of Asian elephants in North America, providing a retirement ranch for circus elephants, and educating the public about this endangered species.”
Soon after making the post, the City received backlash over the announcement.
One commenter said, “Elephants aren’t meant to carry heavy loads on their backs. It’s harmful for them. Please don’t abuse them.”
Another stated, “It makes me happy to see so many people agreeing with how wrong and cruel this sounds. I hope city officials and council see the concerns, all correct and valid, and that the decision to bring elephants to a firework show is reconsidered. Riding elephants is not a way to educate about this amazing species.”
Many other commenters were concerned the elephants may be scared by the fireworks and potentially hurt either themselves or people at the event.
On Saturday, the City of Glenpool updated their original Facebook post and said the elephant rides have been cancelled due to the public’s concern.
“We are going to cancel the planned elephant rides at the Red, White and Boom Bash. We heard you, Glenpool, and we’re taking appropriate action. We will be considering what we can do to make amends and let you know any further actions that come out of this decision.”
The Red, White and Boom Bash is still scheduled for June 28 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.