Animal rights activists protest against Araba Shrine Circus

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- A circus act is creating controversy in Southwest Florida.

The Araba Shrine Circus is currently performing at the Lee Civic Center, but some say an elephant in the show should not be there.

The elephant known as Tiny, or more commonly Nosey, has been performing in circuses for nearly 30 years.

A group called “Action for Nosey Now” is claiming the animal suffers from a host of health problems, including arthritis and mental anguish.

“She has foot disease, she has a skin condition, she has a gait problem, she has feet problems,” said Leah Hoffman. “We should not have captive elephants, on this one, with all of her problems, disabilities, her lack of care, I feel this elephant should be transferred to a sanctuary, confiscated by the USDA.”

“I’m sorry but these are all lies,” said Serge Coronas, the circus owner.

Coronas showed WINK News paperwork from Nosey’s latest veterinary examination performed by the University of Florida in November 2014.

It states “Nosey appears to be in good physical condition at this time” and that no re-examination is warranted.

“These are the documents showing that this elephant has no TB, no arthritis or any other kind of thing, this is still a young elephant,” said Coronas. “Come out to the circus today, see the elephant with your very own eyes, see that there’s nothing wrong.”

When we asked Hoffman what she had to say about the paperwork the owner showed us, she said “I have no comment on that, there’s a discrepancy on who actually did those tests, so it would be better if I didn’t comment on that.”