BERLIN: An animal right’s group has called for a ban on wild animals at circuses in Germany, after an Indian elephant veered off its scripted performance and headbutted another elephant into a shocked audience.
The incident occurred when three elephants being ridden by circus performers were concluding their act Wednesday and one suddenly rammed another out of a ring into the crowd.
Peta spokeswoman Yvonne Wuerz told dpa news agency Thursday that wild animals cannot be properly cared for or managed in a circus environment and should be banned.
Circus spokesman frank Keller dismissed the concerns, saying “it was an accident. That happens also unfortunately at the circus.”
One audience member suffered minor scrapes in the incident but the circus says he stayed to see the end of the show.
Elephant in German circus pushes another elephant into crowd
Elephant in German circus pushes another elephant into crowd
- One audience member suffered minor scrapes in the incident
First lady Melania Trump to preview new film at private White House screening
- Film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to Melania Trump
- First lady to ring NYSE opening bell to promote film
WASHINGTON: First lady Melania Trump will host a private White House screening on Saturday of a new film documenting her life in the 20 days leading up to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, an adviser said.
The movie, “Melania,” is set for a global release on January 30. Saturday’s showing will be the first time the president, her family and close friends see the film in full, said Marc Beckman, the first lady’s outside adviser and agent.
The film offers rare behind-the-scenes access to the first lady, who has kept a low public profile during her husband’s second term. The trailer opens on Inauguration Day in January 2025, showing her donning a navy wide-brimmed hat for the ceremony at the US Capitol. It also depicts her role as an adviser to the president, including a moment in which she encourages him to emphasize “peacemaker and unifier” in his inaugural address.
Beckman, who produced the film, oversaw the $40 million movie deal with Amazon’s MGM Studios, plus a follow-up documentary series set for release later this year focusing on some of Melania Trump’s priorities, including children in foster care.
“This is not a political film at all,” Beckman said in an interview, adding that the first lady spearheaded the film’s creative direction.
The movie highlights her fashion choices, diplomatic engagements and the operations surrounding her Secret Service protection. Beckman said viewers also will see moments that capture the president’s sense of humor.
Ahead of the public theatrical release of the film next week, the president and first lady will attend a premiere on Thursday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors.
The first lady is also scheduled to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on Wednesday to promote the film, Beckman added.
