Learn to hate circuses with elephants.

PETA tv shows circus elephant training, and its consequences. Download the video here. When I found this film I got a warning that it contains strong language... mmm... that's its most disturbing content...

The average life span of a captive elephant is 14 years (captivity-induced foot problems and arthritis are the most common reasons for euthanasia in captive elephants), they usually live longer in circuses since they are used in shows regardless of physical problems. In their natural habitat elephants live for more than 70 years.

The majority of elephants used in circuses were captured in the wild when they were young. The method is to shoot off the mothers and collect all elephants who are under the age of 3. The breeding done at circuses is by insemination and begins when the females are about 6 years old. In nature elephants begin mating at age 16-18. The females remain chained when they give birth and the baby is chained separated from the mother, since baby elephants are cute and draw a crowd. Training begins soon after and the elephants are performing in shows before they are a year old.

Circus elephants are trained through the use of an ankus, which is a rod with a sharp, pointed hook at the end. Electric prods, blowtorches and whips are also commonly used. The ankus is embedded into elephants' most sensitive areas, such as around the feet, behind and inside the ears, under the chin, inside the mouth, on the trunk and other locations around the face. Since this is done on a daily basis to control circus elephants there is also a need for "spot work", concealing wounds and stop the bleeding with powder so that the injuries are not visible during shows, some circuses have special spot work employees.

Circus elephants are chained by their front and back legs so that they can't take steps. They eat, sleep, and defecate in the same trailers and tents their entire lives. In their natural habitat elephants walk about 40 kilometres a day.

Lives of constant confinement and frustration of natural instincts will force animals into a state of neurosis. Elephants in circuses constantly sway back and forth in their chains, these repetitive behaviours are symptoms of deep psychological distress.

Let your hate sink in. Watch a film about Shirley who gave birth, Ricardo who broke his hind legs, Benjamin who drowned, Docs and Angelicas leg wounds and Kenny who died after doing three shows bleeding from his rectum and without eating. Then go to Circuses.com and read some statements from former circus employees about elephant training.