For some it's a chance to experience a tradition, but not everyone is pleased the Shrine Circus has come to the Paris fairgrounds for the long weekend. Excited attendees were met by protesters outside the gates.
They're concerned about the treatment of animals in captivity.
“I'm here for the elephants basically. I just feel it's no life for them. I’m sure they'd rather be doing something else,” said veterinarian Dr. Gitte Fenger.
“In the wild they wouldn't obviously have to perform any of those tricks or be kept in small spaces,” added Victoria Readings, who is the founder of the Laurier Student Animal Rights committee.
But many circus-goers say they did their research before buying tickets.
“We found out that they geared their acts to the animals, so if the animal chose something, that's how they made their acts,” said one attendee.
“I think the animals are treated pretty (well). I did my research and I think they lose sight of the fact that the Shriner’s raise a lot of money through these circuses,” added Julie Beaney who was visiting the circus.
Those involved in the circus are used to the controversy, but say they are good to their animals.
“On the fairgrounds here they're given plenty of room to roam and just be elephants,” said Ringmaster of the Shrine Circus, Richard Curtis.
Larry Solheim is the general manager of the circus, and says if there was a problem, the crowds wouldn't keep coming year after year.
“If they saw anything even remotely resembling what our opponents say is done here, they would not be coming back to the show, and it's a very successful show,” he said.
But those standing outside the gates would like to see the animals sent to a sanctuary.
“It's time to retire them. It's not okay to use animals for entertainment anymore,” said Fenger.
The Shrine Circus will be at the Paris fairgrounds until Monday.
