It's almost 2016 and there are numerous non-animal circuses such as Cirque Du Soleil and Midnight Circus, based right here in Chicago, which feature only willing participants.  Animals don't belong in cages, chains or captivity.  Traveling circuses are a very sad existence for these animals who don't get to express their natural behaviors, be with family or be free.  There are plenty of ways to enjoy our lives that there is no need to deprive another species of their freedom and ability to enjoy their lives.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus paid $270,000 to the USDA for violations of the Animal Welfare Act in 2011.  You can be certain if a circus is paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines, they are not treating the animals in their "care" well!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1CSHVVstWg&feature=youtu.be

There is plenty of video footage of elephants being struck with bullhooks (a tool that resembles a fireplace poker with a sharp, steel hook at the end which is used to beat and control elephants).  There is also documentation of whipping and other abuses of tigers, lions and other animals.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=mRZt6SdNs7g 

Four of 23 baby elephants born in Ringling's breeding program have died, all under disturbing circumstances that weren't fully revealed to the public.  http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2011/10/ringling-bros-elephant-abuse

Another very important thing to consider is the danger to the public if (and when) an abused animal has had enough pain and suffering and decides she wants to be free.  Tyke was taken from the wild in 1973 when she was a baby.  She watched the murder of her family in the process - the only way to "safely" take a wild baby elephant from her family is to kill the family.  Tyke's heartbreaking story ended in 1994 in Hawaii.   http://youtu.be/FWURBYDS_1U & http://www.kitv.com/story/30573761/tyke-the-elephant-documentary-premiers-at-hiff 

It's time Chicago join compassionate cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boulder and Austin that have banned wild animal acts or cruel devices such as bullhooks.

There are many other cities and towns that have taken a stand against circus cruelty.  A full list can be seen here:  http://www.bornfreeusa.org/b4a3_circuses_and_shows.php

PLEASE SIGN AND PLEASE ALSO SET UP A MEETING WITH OR WRITE, CALL, E-MAIL, FACEBOOK, TWEET, ETC. YOUR LOCAL ALDERMAN AND MAYOR EMANUEL AND ASK THAT THEY PLEASE SUPPORT THE GROWING MOVEMENT TO BAN  ANIMAL CIRCUSES IN CHICAGO.  

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!