Who are LOTA and the Hawthorn Elephants?
Lota is one of 16 elephants currently held by the Hawthorn Corporation of Illinois. The owner, John Cuneo, has made a business out of using these elephants for entertainment purposes. For more than 35 years he has rented elephants out to circuses. All of the elephants are veteran performers who have spent most of their lives traveling and performing in circuses. Why have animal welfare activists been so concerned over the treatment of the Hawthorn Elephants? John Cuneo has been repeatedly cited for animal care violations, particularly in his unwillingness to provide proper veterinary care for his animals. Numerous instances of obvious neglect, causing his elephant s pain and suffering, were documented by the USDA. What finally prompted the USDA to close down the Hawthorn operation? Public pressure, repeated demands from animal welfare groups, and the long list of animal care violations were instrumental in getting the USDA to take this important action. Did the USDA confiscate the elep
