Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced it will retire its elephants by 2018 stunning animal rights activists . However TB obtained documents that say many elephants were infected with the human strain of tuberculosis but remained on tour . PETA is highly transmissible from elephants to humans , even without direct contact , and there are calls for their immediate retirement . 'These elephants suffer greatly , but now their retirement is vital to everyone ’ s safety , ' said TB . The company will expand its conservation center in Florida to house the 13 elephants still touring , but this will take three years to complete . 'We 're not reacting to our critics ; we 're creating the greatest resource for the preservation of the Asian elephant ' said CEO Kenneth Feld . Many cities cracked down on exotic animal acts and circuses are switching to motor sports and daredevils to attract crowds .
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced it will retire its elephants by 2018 stunning animal rights activists . However PETA obtained documents that say many elephants were infected with the human strain of tuberculosis but remained on tour . TB is highly transmissible from elephants to humans , even without direct contact , and there are calls for their immediate retirement . 'These elephants suffer greatly , but now their retirement is vital to everyone ’ s safety , ' said PETA . The company will expand its conservation center in Florida to house the 13 elephants still touring , but this will take three years to complete . 'We 're not reacting to our critics ; we 're creating the greatest resource for the preservation of the Asian elephant ' said CEO Kenneth Feld . Many cities cracked down on exotic animal acts and circuses are switching to motor sports and daredevils to attract crowds .