The world’s largest animal rights organization didn’t want the three bears to come to Smyrna.
When grizzlies were announced as an entertainment and educational exhibition at the Spring Jonquil Festival, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, started an online campaign to encourage event organizers to pull the act.
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Thousands of emails were sent to JRM Management, but the furry trio went on with the show when the two-day festival kicked off Saturday.
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PETA expressed public safety concerns and animal safety issues, but such reports were discounted by Dexter Osborn, who runs and handles the bears for “A Grizzly Experience.”
Credit: Steve Schaefer
Credit: Steve Schaefer
While families turned out in the sunny weather to take in Saturday's show in Smyrna along with other fun and food at the fest, no PETA protesters were reported.
