Circus Elephants: A Life of Abuse and Neglect

Most Americans have been to the circus at one time or another; maybe with their parents or their own children. After all, the circus is an American pastime. The patrons of the circus sit in awe of the wonders going on around them, of people flipping high in the air and walking on wires above great heights, of the lights and the sparkling costumes. It's all so captivating. When they watch the animals parade out to the rings and perform tricks, the audience watches in wonder at the magic of the great circus. Little children and adults alike "ooh" and "aah" at the exotic beasts, so close they could almost reach out and touch one. One animal in particular catches the imagination of all: the elephant. Who could deny the pure magic one feels while sitting on a dirty bleacher and staring at the freak shows, acrobat and animals performing with their handlers, and the elephants balancing all this bulk on to one little ball? There is just one problem: life for animals, especially elephants, is not a life one should be proud of in the circus.