Help effort to ban importation of wild animals for shows

The 50th State Fair continues at Aloha Stadium for the next seven weekends, and its promoters would like us to believe that the three grizzly bears and four sea lions imported from the mainland are entertainment for us all.

The Hawaiian Humane Society disagrees.

The fair really is fun. People can enjoy rides, games and food, and there also is live music. However, the promoters have gone too far when they claim we can learn a lot from these wild animals while enjoying their antics at the same time.

The promoters want us to believe that using wild animals in traveling shows educates the public on a bear’s natural behaviors by giving an in-depth view of their activities.

While seeing a bear in its natural habitat — or one that closely replicates its natural environment, such as in a wildlife park — can be educational, seeing it do tricks exploits the bears for people’s entertainment and sends conflicting messages to the public.

An advertisement on the E.K. Fernandez website depicting a bear embracing its trainer might lead the public to believe it is OK to hug bears. What are we learning? That bears are just giant puppies to be loved. No! This is how accidents can and do happen — all across the world.

Wild animals are dangerous and not to be treated as pets. When accidents happen, promoters, trainers and the public then blame the animal, which often is killed as a result.

Exposing wild animals to inhumane conditions during training is common.

In addition, confining them in very small spaces for travel over the ocean is questionable. During their time at sea they cannot exercise, may suffer from seasickness and definitely endure restricted behavior that can result in psychological problems.

In North America, grizzly bears primarily inhabit places with cooler climates, such as western Canada and Alaska. These giant creatures can overheat while performing up to three shows a day in Hawaii’s hot and humid climate.

Yes, the organizers received permits from the state Department of Agriculture to import the wild animals for our entertainment. The state attorney general said there is nothing illegal in the practice.

The Hawaiian Humane Society invites other organizations and individuals to join us in stopping wild animals from being brought into our state in the future.

When the 2015 legislative session begins, we will advocate for legislation to ban this inhumane practice. To join this effort, email msteiner@hawaiianhumane.org.

On Oahu, the Hawaiian Humane Society is the only animal welfare organization that shelters, rescues, adopts and welcomes animals all day, every day.

As an independent nonprofit that receives no funding from other mainland animal welfare organizations, 100 percent of donations stay in the islands for the benefit of Hawaii’s animals and people.