We won! No elephants in Surprise, AZ!
After mounting a petition that garnered over 37,000 signatures, rallying support from local individuals and other organizations, and organizing a petition when action wasn't immediately taken, we are pleased to report that the city of Surprise, Arizona has broken a 14 year tradition and has said NO to known animal abusers Have Trunk Will Travel.
In an email from Mark Coronado, City of Surprise Director of Community and Recreation Services, he states, "the City of Surprise will not contract elephant vendors and or elephants for Surprise Party 2016 or any other city events moving forward. The City of Surprise will look to re-fresh our future city events with alternative family entertainment in the best interest and safety of our residents."
We are extraordinarily pleased with this result and thanks the City of Surprise for choosing compassion. CWI will continue to work to halt performances involving exotic animal use around the country. Thank you to all who joined us in this campaign!