Please install Flash to view this content.

Get macromedia Flash Player

    INTRODUCTION CAMPAIGN UPDATES THE CIRCUSES GET ACTIVE FREE DVD DONATE NOW
Search
 
Concerned Citizens
Educators
Kids
Law Enforcement Officials
Fact vs. Fiction
Ringling Bros. Factsheet
Ads/PSAs
Animal-Free Circuses
Animal-Free Fundraisers
Bans on Animal Acts
Become a PETA Member
Circus Criminals
Circus Schedules
Factsheets
FAQ
Information in Spanish
Literature
Photographs
Shopping
State of the Circus Industry
Videos
BuckTheRodeo.com
HelpThaiElephants.com
NoMoreMonkey
Business.com
SaveWildElephants.com
WildlifePimps.com
ZooInsiders.com
Kids' Corner
Rose Tinted
E-News
Work for PETA
Photos reveal that trainers cruelly wrestle baby elephants using ropes, sharp hooks, and electric shocks in order to force them to learn tricks. Learn more
Animals Are Not Ours For Entertainment
Behind the scenes, elephant trainer Tim Frisco instructs would-be trainers how to dominate elephants and make them perform circus tricks. “Sink that hook into ’em. When you hear that screaming, then you know you got their attention.” An elephant trumpets in agony as Frisco’s bullhook, with its sharp metal hook and spiked end, tears through her sensitive skin. Frisco, a Carson & Barnes elephant trainer, learned the trade from his father, a former trainer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Click here to watch the video.

The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these confusing and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other painful tools of the trade.

We applaud trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and acrobats, but let’s leave animals in peace. Sweden, Austria, Costa Rica, India, Finland, and Singapore have all banned or restricted the use of animals in entertainment—it’s time for the U.S. to do the same.
How You Can Help
Give School Boards a Lesson in Circus Cruelty
Help Stop Elephant Torture
Support Animal-Free Circuses


Write a Letter, Help Animals in the Circus!

Urge U.S. Russian Ambassador to Help End Cruel Circus

Urge Gov. Doyle to Boycott The Great Circus Parade


PETA Urges Baytown to Ban Bullhooks, Electric Prods as City Prepares to Host Circus

PETA Urges Cedar Park to Ban Bullhooks, Electric Prods as City Prepares to Host Circus

PETA Urges Willow Park to Ban Bullhooks, Electric Prods as City Prepares to Host Circus

Back to Top  Back To Top





Now Showing on PETA TV
Ringling Bros.' Unsafe Handling of Elephants Ringling Bros.' Unsafe Handling of Elephants
Make Em Scream "Make 'Em Scream": Watch Standard Elephant-Training Practices
» More
Campaign Updates
Baby Elephants Bound With Ropes by Ringling Baby Elephants Bound With Ropes by Ringling
Undercover Investigation Reveals That Ringling Beats Elephants Undercover Investigation Reveals That Ringling Beats Elephants
Four Reasons Why I Won't Take My Kids to the Circus Four Reasons Why I Won't Take My Kids to the Circus
Send Your Photos and Help Elephants! Send Your Photos and Help Elephants!
Actor Wilmer Valderrama's Anti-Circus Video Actor Wilmer Valderrama's Anti-Circus Video
Tell Circuses With Animals to Hit the Road! Tell Circuses With Animals to Hit the Road!
» More
Victories
Delhi Delhi: Free at Last
Elephant Abuser Admits Guilt Elephant Abuser Admits Guilt
Mastercard Dumps Ringling MasterCard Dumps Ringling
» More
Shopping
» More
   l    * Printer-Friendly    l    E-Mail This Page    l    Subscribe to E-News    
About PETA    Privacy Policy    Disclaimer    PETA Web Sites   
Click here to return to PETA.org