I must preface this with a statement:  My commentary are MY views only, and do not necessarily represent the views of the station.  I will try to be brief.

As an animal lover, I am positively THRILLED with this news, and wish it were coming immediately.  Finally, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus has begun phasing out the use of elephants in their shows.  In a statement they said it was over:

growing public concern about how the animals are treated.

I do not advocate the circus, for many reasons. Again, these are my PERSONAL feelings. I won't get into too much detail here...I HAVE done my research on the cruel conditions these incredible animals are kept under, I have SEEN it first-hand.  It's disturbing.

I am all for children enjoying and learning about animals, just not those wearing tutus, being whipped into sitting on each other in a circle, or having electric prods used to "train" them to "entertain".  Elephants do not stand on beach balls on free will.

Bullhooks. Electric shocks.  Three-day train rides in confined spaces with no breaks for leg stretching.  It's not my idea of entertainment, nor my idea of a great show, let alone the "greatest show on earth".

Elephants experience similar emotions to humans...emotions of attachment, sadness, they grieve for their dead.  They are beautiful, HIGHLY INTELLIGENT animals that deserve dignity.

More From The New 96.1 WTSS