Ask Cirque du Soleil to Use Alternative to Live Birds

After PETA heard rumors that Cirque du Soleil—renowned for its spectacular animal-free productions—would use birds in its new Las Vegas show, Criss Angel Believe, we immediately contacted Cirque du Soleil and MGM for confirmation. We received word from MGM Mirage Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Alan Feldman that "[b]irds will play a small, but artistically significant, role ...." Our request to meet with Feldman to discuss animatronic options was declined.
 
Please urge Cirque du Soleil to replace live birds with animatronic alternatives. A Las Vegas-style production—with the inherent chaos of noise, lights, music, and action—is a stressful environment for any animal, regardless of the species. In the wild, birds are never separated from their flockmates and rely on them for constant companionship and mental stimulation. Subjecting them to the stress of travel, long shows, and confusing sights and sounds is cruel and unnecessary. Let Cirque du Soleil know that by switching to animatronic options, it can continue to wow sell-out crowds with its human-only performances and spare animals from harm. Kindly remind Cirque du Soleil that animatronics alternatives are often used as realistic substitutes for live birds.