Animal activists came out by the hundreds to Protest Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at The Staple Center, in Los Angeles, California.
Jillian Michaels led the crusade regarding the alleged animal abuse in Ringling Bros Circus, & to draw attention to the compromised lives of the elephants.
Fitness expert and powerhouse for people losing pounds, Michaels is accustomed to pushing till her voice is heard, changing bodies & lives. Now, she is a voice for animals who cannot defend themselves, cracking a whip on Ringling Bros. Circus
"It's simple, all you have to do is not support the circus, " said Michaels. She advocates going to Cirque Du Soleil or a circus that doesn't abuse their animals, & doesn't use endangered wildlife for entertainment purposes.
Many actors lend their voice to support PETA & their efforts to help animals. Christian Serratos (The Twilight Series), and Renee Olstead (The Secret Life of the American Teenager), attended the protest, passing out information & speaking to the public about "Behind the scenes of this circus." Both had watched the PETA video. Ringling Beats Animals, A PETA Undercover Investigation, and were moved to make a difference in these animal's lives.
Actress Olivia Munn spoke out in defense of the Asian elephants in the Rigling Bros circus," People see lights, color, & laughter, but behind the curtain it's just torture for these elephants & these animals.They're beating them & using electric shock. They are basically making them live this ridiculously painful existence, all for the dollar"
The Asian Elephant is An Endangered Species.
PETA clams."Ringling Bros Circus mistreats and abuses their animals, especially their elephants. They work long hours & work even when they are ill. They want the public to be aware of the violence, cruelty. & inhumane treatment these animals endure behind the scenes of a circus.
The manager for animal stewardship for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, Trudy Williams, addressed the allegations,"We do use a guide on our animals.There are many names for this tool; an ankus, elephant goad, guide, & bull hook. When you are someone who works with the animals and you are using your tools properly, there is no harm to the animals, and there is no abuse to the animals.We have continuing education for all of our animal crew" She goes on to say: " We have five veterinarians that travel between our shows. We love the animals; we don't want to hurt them."
In 1995, Feld Entertainment built Ringling Bros Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida. It is a retirement facility for the animals used in the shows. William's said,"If the handlers and the veterinarians decide that they are no longer able to perform, or the elephants show they don't want to anymore, they can be retired there."
The crowd was filled with parents that were opposed to the circus & those who were attending. Some brought their children to join in the demonstration. I was concerned with the effect the protest might have on both the children going into the circus, as well as those protesting. The parents I spoke with said they have taught their children how to respect animals & that animals are not on this earth for our entertainment purposes.
They felt that the lesson for their children was clear. Use your voice to make changes for those who cannot.
How do they teach their children about wild animals & endangered species?
Their response,"We educated our children through books, documentaries & the internet." One family I spoke with, had a yearly trip to an elephant reserve. "There is no reason to see elephants standing on their head or balancing balls. It is not natural for these majestic elephant to do Tricks"
The behind the scenes of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was not open to press. Williams said, "Unfortunately, at this facility we don't have an open house." Maybe next year
© 2011 Cable News Network. 
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