Thank you for sharing your story. I greatly appreciate your help letting people know the darker side of the circus life for animals. If one could imagine for a moment what it would be like to live in such a imprisoned life being caged/chained for life. Perhaps we could abolish the animals being used in circuses and other "entertainment" and learn to respect them as our fellow earthlings. Thank you for posting the pictures. Notice the handlers and their bullhooks? I think I would sit up straight too if I always saw that thing... For great animal free fun check out the Russian American Kids Circus coming to the Virginia Theater downtown Champaign July 28th. Performed by Kids for Kids but just not for Kids! Have a great animal loving summer!!