In the hands of their “trainers”, animals confined to the circus endure repeated 

and prolonged suffering from the time they are babies. This suffering was

revealed to the world in 2009, when whistleblower Sam Haddock shared photos

of baby elephant training with the world. The photos revealed that babies are

separated from their mothers, tied with ropes by all of their limbs and by

their tiny trunks, and forced into performing unnatural postures using sharp

metal weapons called "bullhooks" . 

 

This treatment continues throughout their lives. At any circus performance featuring 

elephants, you will see a trainer or several trainers with bullhooks in hand. The elephants know that bullhooks are weapons that will hurt them if they do not do as their handlers request.

 

Tigers are also subjected to injurious forms of training. Whips, tight collars, and electric prods are used to force the animals into doing unnatural postures like standing on their hind legs or performing synchronized movements.

 

Unlike the training of our dogs or cats, the training of wild animals involves abuse. They do not respond to "positive reinforcement" techniques. Do not believe circus lies. Circus training IS animal abuse. 

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Training is not the only form of abuse the animals in the circus endure. 

 

In the wild, elephants and tigers will walk and run miles each day. Yet in the circus the animals are confined to small cages, or chained, and are unable to move about as they would naturally. The animals are also frequently transported in train cars or in trucks, and kept there for numerous hours or even days at a time. Some animals are forced to travel up to 90% of their lives.

 

When you visit an elephant in a circus or zoo, look for them slowly swaying their heads back and forth or rocking from side to side. These actions are called "stereotypic" behaviors and they indicate psychological distress. The intensive confinement of elephants coupled with a lack of ability to socialize with their families, or even others of their kind, causes them to experience emotional trauma. What would your experience of life be like if you were torn from your family and confined in a jail cell? 

 

Elephants, tigers, and other animals used by the circus are sentient beings, just like you. They have thoughts, feelings, and a desire to be free.  Boycott events that cause suffering to animals.