However, we rarely think about the lives of those very animals we're so excited to see. Animal used in the circus, such as tigers, elephants, and bears, are captured from their natural habitat and forced to live a life of domination and confinement.

Many people believe this is the only chance they will have to see these kinds of animals, but seeing them in circus conditions doesn't show an animal's natural way of life. Being whipped and beaten to perform is unlike anything these animals would ever experience if left in the wild. Natural acts for animals do not include riding bikes, jumping through hoops, or being paraded around.

Circus animals are forced to live in cages too small for basic needs. Their physical well-being is compromised by the circus' need to conserve space. Animals are forced to eat, drink, and sleep in the same area they must defecate in.

Conditions these animals must live in day in and day out are very stressful and cause many health problems. Elephants naturally walk many miles a day; being cooped in a cage for days at a time drives them crazy. They respond by swaying back and forth and bobbing their heads. Lions, as well as many other animals pace their cages, unable to get out. Others behaviors typical of stress are bar-biting and self mutilation.

These conditions may sound bad enough, but on top of all that these animals are forced to perform often being beaten into submission. Veterinary care is extremely lacking, if even existent.

Despite laws that, on the face, appear to govern circus' use and care of animals, many die each year of physical and mental health issues. Not only is the circus a danger to the animals, but for humans as well. When these animals become so crazy from living in captivity they can become extremely dangerous and try to escape.