Actor Priyamani and PETA India Treat Children from Sivananda Gurukulam to Dazzling Animal-Free Circus Performance in Chennai

Over 100 children from Sivananda Saraswathi Sevashram attended a spectacular animal-free performance by the Gemini Circus in Guduvancheri thanks to actor Priyamani and PETA India. Priyamani sponsored the special initiative, which was organised by PETA India. Last year, PETA India awarded Gemini Circus for its compassion and creativity in doing away with its live animal acts and instead using innovative animal robots in its shows.

“By supporting animal-free entertainment, we take a step towards a more humane world for all beings. PETA India and I invite everyone to join us in celebrating this compassionate shift and to support initiatives that prioritise the well-being of animals.” – Priyamani

“Our children were overjoyed and mesmerised by the magical animal-free performance. We’re grateful to Priyamani and PETA India for this unique experience that not only entertained but also educated them on kindness towards animals. It’s a memory they’ll cherish forever.” – Representative from Sivananda Saraswathi Sevashram.

Inspections by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and investigations by PETA India have revealed that animals used in circuses are subjected to chronic confinement, physical abuse, and psychological torment. Whips and other weapons are used to inflict pain and beat them into submission, forcing them to perform frightening and confusing tricks out of fear of violent punishment. When they aren’t performing in front of boisterous crowds, animals used in circuses endure a lifetime of misery. Their access to water, food, and veterinary care is often severely restricted.

Two regulatory bodies, the Animal Welfare Board of India and the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), have recognised that animal circuses are inherently cruel and that the use of animals in circuses in India should be prohibited. PETA India has filed a petition in the High Court of Delhi seeking a ban on the use of animals in circuses through the central government’s notification of The Performing Animals (Registration) (Amendment) Rules, 2018.

Priyamani previously teamed up with PETA India to encourage people to sterilise their canine companions and to donate a life-size mechanical elephant to the Thrikkayil Mahadeva Temple in Kochi in recognition of the temple’s decision never to own or hire live elephants.