As soon as the Ringling Bros. train arrives in our host city, the animal care staff unloads the animals and walks them to a compound set up outside of the arena. At the arena, the animals are safely housed in individual stables or enclosures, or tethered in a safe, appropriate manner. Each animal is provided with adequate space according to its particular needs as defined by the Animal Welfare Act, and according to the advice of the Ringling Bros. veterinarians and the animal's individual trainer.

Elephants are comfortably tethered along a picket line similar to ones used for horses or kept in pens formed by electric fencing. Ringling Bros. pioneered the use of this traveling perimeter fence, and our elephants can exercise and socialize while they are inside the fence.

Tigers are housed in specially designed cages with foldout verandas and high-mounted perches that provide ample room for movement and interaction between animals.

Ringling Bros. provides around-the-clock security for our animals -- protection from other animals, natural predators, public harassment, vandalism and trespassers. Only qualified animal attendants, trainers and Ringling Bros. personnel are allowed in the stable area.

We are the first to acknowledge and respect the natural instincts of our exotic animals. Our animal attendants are familiar with the individual personalities and temperaments of their charges. In our 132-year history, Ringling Bros. has never experienced an animal-related incident that placed a member of the general public at risk during a performance.