The Royal Canadian Circus is Back and its Circus Elephants Are Helping Their Endangered Friends

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - April 6, 2016) - Who would have thought that Elephants could have Canadian ambassadors? The Royal Canadian Circus is back this spring and summer and they take elephant conservation very seriously. While zoos across Canada are shipping their old elephant friends out of the country, the US-based Tarzan Zerbini Circus will be returning once again with a lifelong pair of elephant companions, Shelly and Marie; all as part of the FestivalXpress presentation known as "Spectac! 2016". The Zerbini Circus has been bringing its family friendly show to over 30 cities across Canada annually for more than 40 years as the "Royal Canadian Circus" and the "Shrine Circus". This circus remains committed to helping animal loving Canadians witness and learn about the wonders of these beautiful elephants in an up-close experience; one that you just can't get from a book, video or website.

"These girls have been a part of the Zerbini family for decades. We are absolutely committed to their health, wellbeing and quality of life. And this shows in their affection for us", states ringmaster and family member Joseph Bauer. Bauer adds, "Acting as they do as ambassadors for their species, Shelly and Marie bring awareness to the challenges that elephants face world-wide and of the elephant conservation programs that are always short of funds".

At each circus performance people can see Shelly and Marie work and interact with their caregivers and human partners Erika and Dwayne. Circus goers end up learning all sorts of facts about elephants as narrated by Mr. Bauer. It's even possible to take a short ride on one of them as part of their daily exercise routine.

Most significantly, with Shelly and Marie's help, the circus urges its patrons to understand and contribute to critical conservation efforts aimed at ensuring that elephants are protected and can thrive in the wild. Not only does the Zerbini family contribute tens of thousands of dollars annually directly to overseas programs, the Zerbinis also use announcements, printed materials, email broadcasts and their various websites to urge circus goers to contribute directly as well. The circus has also created a crowdfunding initiative for Sumatran elephant conservation where contributors are directly linked to the "Asian Elephant Support Group" through the Zerbinis' www.HelpTheElephants.com.

The Zerbini Circus family has been producing circuses and working with both domestic and exotic animals for over 250 years world-wide. They are recognized for pioneering significant improvements in the care and training of elephants especially, and have lovingly built a non-profit animal care and retirement facility in sunny central Florida called "Two Tails Ranch". More information can be found at www.allaboutelephants.com.

There is no question that while Canada is sending elephants south of the border, thousands of Canadians would not learn as much about elephants, and the need to support world-wide conservation programs such as AES, if it weren't for the Zerbini Circus and Shelly and Marie. They are truly ambassadors for their species, and for others.

For more information on the dates and times for the Royal Canadian Circus and this year's "Spectac! 2016" cities and shows, please visit their website at www.royalcanadiancircus.ca.