Rocky Show Circus a Horror for Boxing Kangaroo

In the Rocky Show Circus, a kangaroo, decked out in gloves and trunks and restrained by a leash, is forced into a staged boxing match with a man.

The Kissimmee, Fla.-based circus, run by exhibitor Javier Martinez, is "as educational as it is entertaining," at least according to its Myspace page. The boxing match "provides audiences with some fun-filled animal antics as well as a close-up look at one of Australia's animal oddities. ROCKY holds the title of being the only boxing kangaroo currently performing in the United States.”

In the wild, National Geographic notes that male kangaroos sometimes "box" each other over potential female mates by leaning back on their tails and striking out with their hind legs. In the Rocky Show Circus, a kangaroo "boxes" Martinez solely for the purpose of making money for the exhibitor.

The circus holds man vs. kangaroo fights across the country, but not without controversy. Last year it was cancelled at the “Celebrating Australia”-themed BorderFest in Texas after Kraft Foods listened to protestors and pulled its sponsorship.

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), at least two of Martinez’s boxing kangaroos have died. One suffered from a condition called “lumpy jaw,” which is caused by stress, poor hygiene and poor diet, among other factors.

Martinez has been cited multiple times by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), most recently in 2010, for violating the Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide the animals with veterinary care for two years.

“Rocky is clearly stressed and has charged people during photo shoots, chewed on his own arm, and attempted to flee the ring during the act,” PETA reported.

The show, which is currently traveling through Florida, won’t go on if PETA has its way. It may be an uphill battle, because there are no laws prohibiting kangaroo boxing in Florida.

PETA originally went after the Florida State Boxing Commission, which was powerless to take action because it only deals with humans boxing humans. But because of compassion for the kangaroo, the boxing commission contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). WFTV.com reported that according to the FWC, Martinez has legal permits for the kangaroos and no previous violations with the commission. The commission is currently investigating the Rocky Circus Show for evidence of animal abuse.

"Forcing kangaroos to fight rowdy contestants is an act that should have gone out with the cruel carnivals and 'freak shows' of the early 20th century," PETA Director Delcianna Winders said in a statement.

Tell the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to shut down the Rocky Show Circus.

Photo credit: anthonycramp