SAN JOSE, Calif. (AP) — A star Ringling Bros. circus trainer was acquitted Friday of a charge he abused an elephant outside a performance last summer, ending a trial watched closely by animal rights groups.
The jury deliberated for about two hours before clearing Mark Oliver Gebel, 31, whose defense attorney did not call a single witness. Gebel could have faced six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Gebel, the son of legendary Ringling Bros. animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams, smiled as the verdict was read.
The case was important to animal rights groups that for years have accused Ringling Bros. and other circuses of using a wholesome front to mask their cruel treatment of animals. Few criminal charges against circus performers have resulted, however.