The smell of popcorn and cotton candy in the air and the sight of the elephants entering the big top, trunks in their tails, seem to be a dream come true. The way they perform these complex tricks with such fluidity is quite a spectacle. How are these large creatures able to do a handstand? Well, according to a New York Times article, circus elephants undergo training methods that include: electric prods, beatings, hours spent in chains, and unimaginable cruelty. Due to their large size, many trainers believe that the intimidation method is the only way to train such a large and wild creature ("It's another marvel"). Often people are unaware of the abuse that occurs during the training of these gentle giants. Maggie Knox, author of the article “Students Protest Cruelty to Circus Elephants,” shares that an elephant is not the family dog ​​and cannot be trained with treats; therefore, they are trained to be afraid of not performing. Tricia Lebkuecher, president of Vegetarians International Voice for Animals, says, “It is unethical to use wild animals for entertainment. » (quoted in Knox 1). Ringling Bros is one of the worst offenders and was fined $270,000 for animal cruelty, one of the largest circus fines in history. They have received several citations over the years for improper handling, improper veterinary care, and unsanitary feeding methods (Knox 1). Although the sight of elephants performing under a big top may be a dream come true, it is an elephant's worst nightmare. Because of the suffering that circuses inflict on elephants, elephants should no longer have the privilege of working with or caring for elephants. Circuses should be banned from working with elephants for three reasons. The first...... middle of paper ......•Knox, Maggie. “Students protest cruelty to circus elephants. » UWIRE text. February 3, 2013 1. Academic OneFile. Internet. October 21, 2013. •Mr. Jaynes. “How circus elephants are sometimes mistreated by their trainers.” News and issues: Animal rights. October 11, 1994. Academic OneFile. the canvas. November 18, 2013.•Mckinley, James C., Jr. “What to do with a traumatized elephant shakes up Dallas.” New York Times August 15, 2008: A11(L). Academic OneFile. Internet. October 21, 2013. • “Bobby Roberts, owner of Polebrook circus, found guilty of mistreating elephants.” International Business Times - Ed. November 23, 2012. Academic OneFile. Internet. October 21, 2013. •Sahagun, Louis. “Elephants pose giant dangers,” Los Angeles Times, October 11, 1994. Academic OneFile. the canvas. November 17, 2013. “Sarah Silverman calls on federal government to release sick circus elephants. » States News Service, July 22, 2011. Academic OneFile. Internet. October 21. 2013.