Critics Distort Procedural Ruling; Ringling's Exemplary Elephant Care Will Be Upheld.

Business Editors/Entertainment Editors

VIENNA, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 2003

Feld Entertainment is disappointed that the United States District Court for the District of Columbia has denied Feld's motion to dismiss a civil lawsuit brought by several animal activist groups and an individual activist against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey (R), but it is confident that Ringling's superior record of elephant care will be upheld. This procedural ruling is no different than all motions to dismiss which require a judge to accept the plaintiffs' allegations as true. The ruling does not address the activists' allegations on their merits in any way, and Ringling Bros. will continue to contest the suit vigorously.

Ringling Bros. is recognized as a world leader in the care and treatment of exotic animals and no organization knows more about living with and caring for Asian elephants. No matter how the extremists try to mischaracterize the procedural rulings in the case, or mislead the general public, their allegations run counter to what millions of American families see each year as they witness Ringling Bros.' unwavering commitment to providing the highest standards of care for all animal performers.

This care is seen not only in performances, but also through the ongoing access provided to local, state and federal officials, the media and the public through tours of backstage areas. The animal care experts at Ringling Bros. care directly for close to 200 animals daily, and all animal training and handling at Ringling Bros. is based on constant contact between humans and animals, consistent routines and nurturing which reinforces the trust and affection shared by the animals and their handlers.

Ringling Bros. further demonstrates its commitment to animals by being a global leader and advocate for the conservation of the endangered Asian elephant. As part of the effort to save this magnificent species, Ringling Bros. built the 200-acre Center for Elephant Conservation (CEC), a comprehensive state-of-the-art facility devoted to the breeding, study, retirement and care for Asian elephants. Through the scientific endeavors at the CEC and the hands-on experience gained at our traveling shows, Ringling Bros. will continue to work with veterinarians and researchers from around the world to advance our understanding of the species and to ensure its survival.

The case, filed by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the Fund for Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute and others, is clearly part of the groups' avowed political campaign to remove animals from circuses and their continuing attempt to use the courts to further their agenda. Ringling Bros. will defend its good name and reputation throughout the ongoing legal proceeding that has been pending for more than three years.

Editor's note: More information about the Ringling Bros. animals and their care can be found at www.ringling.com/amazinganimals and www.elephantcenter.com.