Elephants AREN'T happy in circuses and here's why.
1. they are treated unfairly
Some circuses use tools to inflict pain.
2. they normally live in terrible conditions
Such as small train trucks they are barely able to fit in, stalls, or on concrete floors. They are often chained.
3. performing tricks is actually bad for their health.
Tricks can cause harm to their joints and limbs.
4. It breaks up the elephant families.
Circuses separate elephants from their families, which can cause extreme stress to the whole family. Elephants have a nearly unbreakable bond.
5. elephants don't get the EXERCISE they need IN THE CIRCUS.
Elephants in the wild sometimes walk 50 miles in a day. In the circus, they may only walk from their cage to the big top.
6. they are incredibly INTELLIGENT and emotional animals that shouldn't be kept in circuses.
I'm sure you've heard the phrase "elephants never forget"-- because it's absolutely true. Elephants have impeccable memories. Here is a video of two elephants who remembered each other after 20 years,
I want to give credit to the website The Dodo, because it was their article that I got the idea for this post from, and I used many of their points in this post. Here is a quote from their article:
"Elephants have one of the most complex social structures of any species -- and more is being learned every day. They are capable of deep and intricate emotions. [...] Elephants are highly intelligent, emotional animals who don't belong in circuses, where they live in cramped conditions and are separated from their families."