In the wild, bears don't ride bicycles, tigers don't jump through fiery hoops, and elephants don't stand upright on their hind legs. Circuses portray a distorted view of wildlife.
Laws protecting animals in traveling shows are inadequate and poorly enforced.
The Animal Welfare Act establishes only minimum guidelines and even these meager standards are often ignored. Animals used in circuses live a dismal life of domination, confinement, and violent training. It is standard practice to beat, shock, and whip them to make them perform ridiculous tricks that they cannot comprehend. Most elephants used by circuses were captured in the wild. Once removed from their families and natural habitat, their lives consist of little more than chains and intimidation.