It makes me cringe to see people supporting the inhumane treatment of animals at this circus. In the future, we will wonder what took us so long to come to our senses and put an end to this nonsense.

There are many people in the community whose childhood was tainted with abuse. If you know one of them well enough to ask, they would tell you that it always happened out of sight of others. They were often abused or threatened with harm if they told, so they remained silent despite the pain. They will tell you that this fear is so powerful it remains a secret into adulthood sometimes death, the Police never knew.
Elephants mirror the human species especially in emotions. Many circus elephants suffer with PTSD from the abuse they experienced as babies, the circus trainers beat them with bullhooks, shock them with electric prods everyday, for months, years or as long as it takes to dominate them into submission so that they will perform circus tricks on cue.

If families in the community had the same information the District 205 Foundation received about circus elephant abuse, they could watch this video of Becky one of the elephants touring with Kelly Miller Circus being trained in a barn in Oklahoma. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZF_KvjhL18
With the Internet at your fingertips there is no excuse for not educating yourself about the inhumane lives these exotic circus animals must live in order to entertain you. A picture speaks a thousand words, a video leaves little doubt.
It is a shame that our educational administrators would ignore all the evidence of the inhumane life these animals live and continue to condone this animal abuse for entertainment.

thank you 'ellie'; i could only last about 3 minutes watching the youtube clip you reference.

I couldn't even get past the 'hurt 'em' statements. Or hit 'em with every think you've got under the chin. If tell you to sink that hook into them, then do it.' Close to vomiting now...

I agree with the above posters - I as well couldn't stomach more than a couple minutes of this video. I have always been skeptical about circuses in the past, due to things I've read and a gut feeling, and now I am glad I never took my son to one when he was little.

District 205 has dropped to the lowest of the low. They should stick with teaching and drop the fundraising. Their other fundraisers besides participating in the mistreatment of animals, are wine tasting (great example to set for our kids) and Christmas tree sales. Last time I checked, Christmas is for Christians, which means 205 is discriminating against other religions.

As far as I know........no group other than Christians use trees. How is that discriminating? Perhaps you think the school district should switch to the sale of American Flags? No, wait that would be discriminating too? Better yet, you're right, our children, government workers (Federal, State and Local) and anyone employed for that matter, should not have any Federal Holidays off. Why are Federal Government offices closed on Christmas Day? There you go! The Federal Government is discriminating too! Get a grip - take a break - and take some time to smell the roses. Life is too short. Let District 205 do what they feel is best.

Jolana, we let 205 do what they feel is best and where did it get us? They purchased a building at an excessive price in the middle of a retail zone that didn't even serve the purpose it was intended for. What 205 thinks is best is sipping on wine and watching the abuse of animals.

Cut the spending, stop the wine-guzzling fundrasing, and teach our kids.

FYI, District 205 Foundation and Elmhurst School District 205 are two different things.

Lynn, OK, they are different but they both still think that sipping on wine and watching the abuse of animals is a great way for fundraising. Fine example for the kids.

Here's and idea: cut the spending, stop the wine-guzzling fundrasing, and teach our kids. Raise the money to help the elephant preserves in Africa.

I'm shocked and appalled that a progressive community such as Elmhurst would choose to bring an animal abusing circus to its town as 'entertainment.' I would suggest the decision-makers saddled with this atrocity investigate other types humane, non-animal entertainment in the future. Circus animal are abused in order to get them to 'perform' for the audience. Do you see lions, elephants and tigers doing these things in the wild? Contact the Humane Society of the U.S. Regional Office and ask about the charges brought against the Kelly Miller Circus. Make an informed decision. Maybe you were unaware of the abuse, but now you know. If you continue to showcase this type of animal abuse, you're profiting off the backs of abused animals. And....you're supporting it.

How do we get this revolution started? I know they have had protesters picketing the circus before. How can we end this?

Education is essential to stopping this animal abuse. We have to educate our “Educators”. They seem oblivious to the fact that they are condoning the inhumane treatment of theses circus animals especially in light of all the evidences and studies that have come out showing the circus industry using abusive and cruel methods to train their animals. Make no mistake there are direct links between animal abuse, child abuse and domestic violence, and there is research to prove it.
Google Dr. Frank Ascione, he has done studies and research at the “Institute for Human-Animal Connection” about this connection. There is the “Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida,” who work with people caught in a domestic violence situation, they see what goes on. They published a pamphlet “Help Break the Cycle of Violence: Teach Children to Respect Animals.”

Thank goodness we have people like you, Elie, who are aware of the details of what is going on beyond my own 'gut reaction' to how wrong this circus feels. I beg citizens of Elmhurst NOT TO ATTEND this circus at the very least. I really am not sure how to go much further than that. But I would be willing to lend a hand to anyone who shows initiative to begin awareness and end animal abuse in the form of circus acts.

Renee, Pretty simple how to stop it. 1st How about telling the lame-brains at 205 that we don't want animal abuse on public property (event is at Sandburg). 2nd Show the school children what happens to these animals. Guarantee that no kid would want to attend if they knew what goes on. 3rd, a simple picket of the entrances at Sandberg would be enough to stop people from attending.

I think I will call Sandburg today Vince. Or better yet put it in writing too. I am unsure of who to contact at District 205. However I have a friend who picketed one year with an animal rights group and it did not seem to deter people. Heck, maybe I will take my 6th grader there and hold up a sign. Big things start with two people!

I have called Sandburg and they responded "We have absolutely nothing to do with the circus. If you have an issue you have to call the circus at 630-530-7700. We are simply renting out the grounds to them." When I said that renting the grounds constituted involvement and reflected poorly on our district and Sandburg school they were not interested. They would not give me a name, email address or contact for anyone to write or call. I will write the principal later today but don't envision that going very well. District 205? Anybody have a number or a contact?

Posted Ellie's link on my Facebook page.

The above-posted video was apparently made in 2007, but there is no indication whatsoever that this involved personnel or animals from the Kelly Miller Circus, and Kelly Miller was not cited for the incident.
Also, while Renee Gough is a Patch contributor, views expressed are hers alone and do not represent any official stance of Patch.

Everyone on this comment stream needs to understand that Elmhurst District 205, Sandburg Middle School and Superintendent Pruneau have nothing to do with the decision to bring Kelly Miller Circus to town. The event is scheduled through the Elmhurst District 205 Foundation, a nonprofit that has its own board of directors, etc. Do not contact the school district or Sandburg Middle School personnel about this issue. People with concerns should e-mail foundation@elmhurst205.org.
I realize this is an emotional issue, but spreading misinformation and starting a witch hunt against parties that have nothing to do with the event is unacceptable.

I don’t think people are trying to spread misinformation. Who do you contact if not the Superintendent when the circus is held on school grounds year after year, the School District is promoting the circuses arrive on their own website. A couple of clowns with Kelly Miller Circus visited Lincoln and Fisher Elementary to give the kids a sneak peak of the circus.

Has anyone contacted the foundation and had a discussion with them about it? To my knowledge, no one has. Why is there the assumption that your voices can't be heard without inciting a "revolution"? Open a dialog with the foundation, pass a petition, you might be surprised at the results. The School Board did not make the decision to bring the circus here, and certainly the Sandburg principal had no involvement. The circus has been coming here long before she had the position at Sandburg.
I would love to see the proof as to where and when that video was shot, only because that is my nature as a journalist. I need evidence before I take a position on any issue.

Come on Karen....someone at 205 authorized the rental of the public property to hold this event that abuses animals. Are you saying that 205 is not responsible for who they rent to?

What if I wanted to hold a burlesque show at Sandberg?

Karen, you are the journalist, so we will leave the investigation up to you. As far the training of 5 ton animals to do unnatural things, I guarantee there is force used. You want to see elephants, go to Africa or the zoo.

The man in the video is Tim Frisco. He is still employed with Carson & Barnes Circus as their head elephant trainer. Carson & Barnes own a herd of elephants that they train with the cruel methods in the video and then lease them out to Kelly Miller and other circus venues. The Carson & Barnes Family owned Kelly Miller Circus up until they sold it to John Ringling North and another man around 2007. John Ringling North spent his child and adulthood traveling with the family circus, Ringling Bros. He knows how the circus animal performers are trained. Kelly Miller Circus makes the claim that they don’t mistreat these elephants. What they are really saying is, we don't beat these elephants to train them to perform, but somebody else does so we can use them in our show, but we personally don't abuse them.

Oh please. All of this self righteousness and indignation. It's easy to start a "revolution" from behind a desk, typing on a keyboard. I hope all of you that are so disgusted are true vegans. If not, you're a hypocrite. Eat meat? Ever seen a video of a slaughter house? Wear leather or fur? Think those cows or mink/fox, etc gave their hides freely?

Posting on a little website is easy. Making calls to a school is easy. Watching You Tube is easy. As Johnny Cash would sing, get out there and "walk the line". Quit eating meat, drinking milk, wearing leather or fur based clothing. At least then you'll be consistent.

Me? I'm going to Gibson's for a steak before I go to the Kelly Miller Circus. It's good to be at the top of the food chain. Enjoy it.

I will be contacting foundation@elmhurst205.org. Thank you for the information Karen. Yes, this comment comes entirely from a mother with a heart and does not represent the views of Patch!

Comment deleted for violating our terms of use.

In response to Jeff Trunk (though the comment doesn't deserve a response), the logic is ridiculous. To state that it is hypocritical to object to animal cruelty unless one is vegan would mean absolutely no bounds on mistreatment of animals. Although most of our society eats meat, more and more people are becoming aware of animal cruelty issues (including factory farming methods) and working to bring about change. You don't have to be vegetarian or vegan to work to end mistreatment of animals.

The Human equivalent to a circus elephant’s life is to take a young child away from their mother forever, put them in prison for the rest of their lives, and then beat them with a fireplace poker and shock them with a taser regularly.
I’ve heard people say what’s wrong with the circus, “their animals are feed and housed and don’t have to worry about surviving in the wild.” And to that I would ask, would you want to be free to live a normal life on your own or go to prison where you are feed, housed, beaten and confined for life.

Heidi, I agree the silly little man who made his comment deserves no response, but yours was dictated by logic and intelligence. Well done. The brave people of the world are the ones who take the time to examine the issue, dissect the moving parts and make changes. The weak ones rubber stamp all change as futile. Imagine if we had turned our back on all social change because it seemed absurd at the time. The animal abuse at the circus will come to an end. It will be interesting to see if Elmhurst residents will lead the initiative or follow those who are the first to be brave.

Oh Dan, I am sure the committee can handle a few simple emails saying "Please stop hosting the circus in the future." sent to foundation@elmhurst205.org. In fact, I will happily drop off a sample of my delicious home cooked food to anyone who sends a basic email to this address! This comment has no affiliation with my contributions to Patch. Today I'm just a mom who will cook for change!

I'd rather be a silly little man than a hypocritical lemming following any "revolution" created from an article on our little hometown Patch. I am not for cruelty to animals, but I have a clear understanding, and acceptance, of reality and evolution. If you have not been to or seen a slaughter house, let me tell you the first step of the "process" is a 2 foot stainless steel knife methodically rises up from the floor and disembowels the cow/steer. They aren't dead at that point because the processors need them upright, at least at that point. It gets worse from there. Is that somehow better than parading around an elephant for our amusement? The elephant gets to eat later on. Use medicines? Guess where they were tested first? In a lab, on animals intentionally given the disease the meds are meant to cure. I can go on.

So, go ahead and protest the 205 fundraiser. Feel good about yourself and the posts you have put up...at least until the next "revolution" comes along on the Patch and off marching you go. Have fun baking brownies.

Tim- When life gives you lemmings, make lemmingade!

Thank you to all the brave citizens of Elmhurst who have spoken up: Renee, Ellie, Diane, Kendra, Mary, Bob, Heidi and others.

205 should be ashamed of itself (and the parents that run this so called wine-guzzling non-profit. Sip you wine, watch the abuse of animals, but please, disassociate yourself from 205 and don't do it on 205 property. We don't want it. We don't need it. You don't need it. The animals don't need it. The children would simply be shocked if they knew what really goes on.

If you want to teach an enrichment program, teach the students to show respect for God's creatures and the APPROPRIATE WAY to treat them.

Thank you Vincent. It's always interesting to hear the dialogue in our city. Like so many emotionally charged issues, there are many passionate opinions on this subject. Time will tell how the voices cook down and reduce to crystallize the final majority ruling. I'm not sure if my voice will be the strongest in that majority but I feel happy I was able to express myself in this forum. I never really thought about joining PETA before I read this article. I am really enjoying reading about the organization now. It's also interesting to learn more about Foundation 205 and how to get involved so that I can understand the entire jigsaw puzzle.

Vincent - the truth hurts, doesn't it? When you resort to name calling in an argument, you lose.
Renee - but what of those poor lemmings? Should they needlessly die for the sake of our lemmingade?

Well now that the circus has moved on - how about another article to comment on
Nearly $51,000 in Grants Awarded to Elmhurst District 205 Schools
Annual Thiems Grants will provide students Smart Boards, iPads, books, e-readers, desks, games, trips and more.
April 15, 2011
Here's a small section of the article talking about Thiems Grants and a listing of just one type of grant received by District 205.
A Magical Carpet Ride Through Wilder Park—Conrad Fischer: $1,424.30
This grant provides a one-day field trip to Wilder Park. Not more than 5 percent of the fifth-grade students have visited the Wilder Park museums, and 69 percent have never visited a library. Students will tour the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art, learn about rocks and minerals, and view the ivory and jade exhibits. In the Park District Conservatory, students will learn about plant specimens that date to the beginning of the conservatory and will have a hands-on activity. At the Elmhurst Art Museum, students will tour the galleries and create a sculpture. Students will tour the Wilder Mansion and learn about the history of the mansion and the architecture used in its design. At EPL, students will tour the library and learn about the many activities offered there.
So, let me get this straight, $1424.30 for what? For students to tour the EPL, Lizzadro and Elm. Art Museums, and the P.D. Conservatory? Liz. and EAM are both free on Fridays and the other venues sure better be free! So what's the money for?

The District 205 Foundation isn’t the only Education Foundation throughout the state that is using Kelly Miller Circus to raise funds, with a quick search I found these. Looks like it is a concerted effort between these educational foundations that are connected to our schools to team up with the circus. Just like the Pied Piper our public schools are allowing the circus to lead thousands of children directly to the Big Top.
District 58 Education Foundation in Downers Grove
South Berwyn Education Foundation
District 59 Education Foundation in Elk Grove
District Fifteen Educational Foundation and the Rolling Meadows Park District Foundation.

Thank you all for your enlightened conversation. I'm taken by your passion. I hope that we all keep our eyes on the goal: That no people or animals get hurt. Be conscious of the trickle down affect on both sides. Treat the people with respect. This in turn causes them respect. Keep in mind, too, that if you slam their profession, you not only are threatening them personally but, theatening their livelyhood. It shouldn't surprise that all came out swinging. I saw lots of grandstanding and little compassion. A farming family would look at this situation far differently than a city family. Both sides have valid perspective when considering their roots. Have patience. Walk away, take a break, come back fresh. Change takes time. Maybe next time I'll feel that I've been educated rather than having watched a dog fight. The loudest one rarely is right. Watch congress for similarites.

i hit elmhurst at 4:10 pm on friday afternoon. coming west on st. charles, past sandburg, the parking lot was already filling up w/minivans and suv's, with piles of kids getting out of them. i turned north on poplar, and there had to be at least 6 families w/multiple children walking toward sandburg. the foundation is correct at least on this front - it does seem to be a popular event here in elmhurst. the district 205 foundation is itself it's own entity, covered by its own non-paid, volunteer board of directors, bylaws, etc. it is a registered non-for-profit. lisa fanelli, the executive director, is the only paid employee. i don't know if she is entirely paid by the foundation or if the school district pays any part of her salary or benefits. i don't condone cruelty to anyone or anything, however, mr. trunk does bring up some valid points. we use primates to test everything from drugs to experimental surgeries (remember the baby that received the baboon's heart?), the majority do eat meat that comes from a slaughter house (nice, graphic description which has caused me to rethink my eating habits), and how many carry a leather wallet, purse, briefcase or wear leather shoes? i also know that there are people that derive their livelihoods from these various entities as well. you ask how can society end this cycle of abuse...

the best way is rather than isolating ourselves and thinking "problem solved" when the foundation decides, after enough pressure is applied, to not have the circus return, is to instead, insure that not only does this particular entity known as the kelly miller circus comply with all regulations as set forth by the usda, but exceeds them, in terms of its treatment of its animals. i cannot sit here and say without sounding like a hypocrite that having animals in a circus is any more cruel than having them in a zoo, an aquarium, a "sea world", or on a ranch being raised for their fur or hide, or a farm for their meat, let alone in a research lab being shot up with chemicals hoping to find the next big breakthrough in the quest for the ultimate weight-loss pill.

Abuse of any animal, person or living thing is unconscionable. That is a given. I'm actually surprised that the USDA inspects once a year. The USDA like many other government agencies are seriously understaffed. Food safety is often compromised. We can go on and on in this discussion with many very valid opinions. I do agree with Ms. Hesslop in that many animal related activities can be considered by some to be cruel. However, children would never see many animals, fish, aquatics, etc. without institutions like zoos and aquariums. Our family visited the Shedd Aquarium as trainers for the day. I must tell you that the security system was significantly more involved than traveling overseas thru O'Hare. The safety protocols (in order to ensure proper care of the animals) were incredible.
Of course we all worry about what happens with the elephants - I worry too about the kids in the circus. Are they properly schooled, does the circus comply with child labor laws? Bottom line - everything can be considered in many different ways. Be proactive, stand up for your concerns, but please treat each other with civility, common courtesy and kindness.
Be positive rather than acting with revenge. Enlighten and educate people to your way of thinking. Maybe they will agree and maybe they won't but at least you will have done your part.
As far as continuing without the exotic animals, what about the dogs, horses, etc. are they trained any differently?

Domesticated animals are trained completely different, they can be trained with patience's and food rewards. Wild animals cannot be trained with those methods. To train an exotic animal like a elephant and tiger you must beat them into submission and dominate them with the use of bullhooks (looks like a fireplace poker), shock them with electric prods and whips.
These pictures show how the circus takes their baby elephants and trains them. The man who took these pictures worked as a elephant trainer with Ringling Bros Circus, he was so overcome with guilt for abusing these baby elephants that he wanted the world to see what happens behind closed doors.
http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com/bound-babies.asp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdQPSy9zPVA
With the Internet at our fingertips there is no excuse for not educating yourself and education is essential if you want to learn the truth.

i'm having a difficult time making the destinction between levels of cruelty here. is it more or less o.k. to keep an animal in a little itty bitty cage, then electrocute it for its fur? is it more or less o.k. to load up a primate with chemicals all in the name of "drug research"? is it more or less o.k. to keep a killer whale in a tank in sea world and "train" it so that it can "perform" - and then blame the animal when it takes it's trainer by the hair for "a ride" and ends up killing her? is it more or less o.k. to put a jaguar in a tiny enclosure so that it can never run? while i am very concerned with the situation regarding training methods in the circus industry, i feel hypocritical in making statements to the effect that one is worse than the other and therefore making judgements on the people who gain their livelihoods from these industries, in some instances, this is the only life they have ever known and may barely be making it as it is. i can't pass that kind of judgement. both domestic and exotic animals can and are trained by both methods - humane and inhumane, just like people. ask anyone that has been abused - they are "trained" by their abuser in an inhumane manner.

i'll have my baby lamb (oops veal) medium rare please