Former circus elephants get spacious new home in Florida

Elephants that were once part of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus now have a spacious new home in Florida, thanks to the efforts of a nonprofit conservation group. Manuel Bojorquez has an exclusive first look.
Each weekday morning, "CBS This Morning" co-hosts Gayle King, Anthony Mason and Tony Dokoupil deliver two hours of original reporting, breaking news and top-level newsmaker interviews in an engaging and informative format that challenges the norm in network morning news programs.
Subscribe to “CBS This Morning” on KZbin: / cbsthismorning
Watch CBSN live: cbsn.ws/1PlLpZ7c​
Download the CBS News app: cbsn.ws/1Xb1WC8​
Follow "CBS This Morning" on Instagram: bit.ly/1Q7NGnY
Like "CBS This Morning" on Facebook: on. 1LhtdvI
Follow "CBS This Morning" on Twitter: bit.ly/1Xj5W3p
Subscribe to our newsletter: cbsn.ws/1RqHw7T​
Try Paramount+ free: bit.ly/2OiW1kZ
For video licensing inquiries, contact: [e-mail]

[@ericsonico10]

"Elephants are beautiful just as they are. They don't need to be ridden or trained or do tricks or travel the world. Just let them be where they are and you don't get anything more beautiful than that." 👍

[@nyirakamanachristine340]

Kkiljghhhhuijh

[@daemonzap1481]

Elephants used to be used for war like horses in ancient India.

[@cpujol9420]

That is so true! I love to simply watch them all move together as a herd. They are so fluid and beautiful, such special beings, just fine alone in nature!

[@tlwest21]

I agree!

[@tlwest21]

@@daemonzap1481 that's fine but trained and and ridden for entertainment purposes is not! People from India have huge respect for elephants.

[@minnlowe4041]

These elephants are free at last.

[@GotAnUmbrella]

They aren't they are using them to breed more elephants

[@cesheph]

@@GotAnUmbrella yep then sell the babies.

[@GotAnUmbrella]

@@cesheph 💯

[@millennialaviation]

Good for these babies! They never should’ve been in the circus to begin with

[@stephenpmurphy591]

Yep!

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

I appreciated them in the circus. Humans were in the circus too you know.

[@stephenpmurphy591]

@@TruckTaxiMoveIt Amongst their fellow species in decent accommodation. Animals were forced to perform tricks and acts not normal for them. Most were abused into submission.

[@vgcvvgsxtufzg837]

@@stephenpmurphy591 I’m happy that most circuses are gone now, when I was young their would be quite a few, now circuses are dying out

[@katc2237]

As with all entertainment trends and times change. Luckily people, generally, become more aware and change for the better. What was entertainment, over a hundred years ago, with PT Barnum’s circus, we would never tolerate or accept now. All the way from people to animals things change and improve and things slowly get better.

[@BustedFlush7096]

This is so much better! I’m so glad they are free.

[@renatovonschumacher3511]

I agree with you. However, quite so "free" they are not considering the iron fence and electric wires.

[@TruckTaxiMoveIt]

What about the ones in Zoos? Not everyone is Rich enough to take safaris to see animals in their natural habitats

[@renatovonschumacher3511]

@@TruckTaxiMoveIt Unlike in the past there are wonderful documentry films today - no necessity for safaris and better than any visits to Zoos albeit Zoos have their positive sides and make many families happy.

[@ryanmccurdy7994]

I always wonder, why do they only show the good side of the sanctuaries?

[@lennoxbeharry5004]

these majestic animals deserve this life for all that they have been through God bless these great peoplev

[@KevinInScotland]

Yes, they are better off there than their compatriots in Asia.

[@KevinInScotland]

@Daniel Fata's Farm Show me your farm. Give me the name of it and where it is.

[@shockwave2477]

@@KevinInScotland At least most of them are in the wild in Asia. They are not even supposed to be in North America.

[@KevinInScotland]

@@shockwave2477 I believe they are all captive, made to work for their owner's living in places like Thailand.

[@barnabydinosaurroadsafetyp3457]

Earlier that day Ellie checks her laptop, found place on Craigs list looks nice - give them a call Ellie, we have references and ive left a large deposit .......... poooooh i can see that

[@BustedFlush7096]

I will donate to them. There is one is Tennessee as well.

[@keyahsuel8025]

There is? What is it called?

[@elanaiam]

@@keyahsuel8025 www.elephants.com/

[@JD-nd1oz]

Also Elephant Nature Park (ENP), Chang Mai, Thailand. Lek has spent her life rescuing elephants from the Tourist and logging trades to give elephants the respect they deserve. Great to see that this ideology is spreading and the more Tourist's who vote with their pockets and feet, the better.

[@debbie7526]

@@keyahsuel8025 The Elephant Sanctuary - Howenwald, TN

[@CatEyedGoddess]

I love the one in Tennessee. They got Nosey from that trash guy in Florida.

[@andyroo9381]

WOW! I loved this story! It gives us hope in the efforts of mankind. All you hear about is the unlawful slaughter of elephants and now we have a group of them roaming freely on a large preserve that was created just for them. This restores my hope in mankind.

[@barbarakulig-filipov4837]

Svest ljudi se menja, i svi se nadamo da "logora tortur", biće sve manje.

[@Freptboy]

Wishing those beautiful elephants happy retirement days.

[@blueeyes6852]

My heart cries for these poor creatures. Sad elephants have such long memories! On the other hand, my heart sings with joy, seeing them smiling! Lol! Great story! Thanks! 👏

[@amywalker7515]

Perhaps we should free all the cows, chickens, sheep, pigs, pet horses, cats, dogs and birds while we're at it.

[@leonacollins1785]

@@amywalker7515 The elephants are wild animals (or should be). That makes this a totally different situation than the domesticated animals that you mentioned.

[@arielthepom]

@@amywalker7515 well the livestock u mentioned don’t live to be 60-100

[@san8524]

Seeing elephants roaming wild and free in India was one of the most impressive sights I have ever seen. This sanctuary has given these elephants freedom, a zoo looks like a jail in comparison!

[@zsong9600]

Love elephants! They deserve to be pampered.

[@keepruvthknight]

Just watching elephants in their natural element is amazing!

[@loyceholland6201]

That made me cry. Live a long and happy life.

[@kimberlycornelius7911]

It's about damn time !!!!!!!

[@bettyannsmith5267]

Thank God they're finally free 🙌❤💯🤗

[@lulumoon6942]

🙏🐘Been praying for this since I was a very small, naïve child. God bless these brilliant, beautiful beings, and their loving keepers and donors. And thank you, Ringling, for doing the right thing!!!! 👍❤️

[@trevorthesorcerer]

These elephant would have a better life if only animal activities did not slander Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey. You can’t upgrade facilities if you have low ticket sales because of false information. Animal Activities caused the pain of elephant. Animal activities did not just any show they killed grand presentation every put together it was not just but multiple circuses were combined to make The Greatest Show On Earth.

[@josephinenilsson1541]

Anyone paying to go to a circus with animals is paying for animal abuse. Exploiting animals is as low as it gets.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@@josephinenilsson1541 If you did’t know PETA paid people to abuse Ringling Brothers elephant.

[@lulumoon6942]

@@josephinenilsson1541 👍 When we know better, we can do better. We know enough now to no longer justify many practices with animals. Denial is no excuse. Thanks, Josephine, for caring. 🕊️

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@boi mac The elephant ancestors from 60 years ago. Sorry I don’t quite know because Ringling Brothers bought like 10 circus thorough out it history.

[@2busysecretary]

This is amazing. I love elephants. They are beautiful souls and so precious. I'm so happy for them.

[@kevinp8108]

I hope this sanctuary would allow volunteers to help take care of the elephants like they do in Thailand. I'd pay to spend a week or two to help take care of the elephants. I have no issues shoveling elephant dung to help these beautiful and gentle beasts! God bless these people who saved these elephants.

[@elizabethharttley4073]

I'm thrilled the ellies are going to a large acerage sanctuary. May they live in peace

[@lisaendress724]

This makes me so happy!!! Im so glad they are not in that circus anymore!!! I also did not like to see the animals imprisoned like that when i was little! I hope they live long very happy lives! They deserve it! ❤❤❤❤🐘

[@cynthiafritze7418]

That ellie enjoying the deep water 😊

[@Greenpoloboy3]

GOOD!! As they all should get

[@kevinclark8549]

Good for them happy to see them enjoying their lives.

[@alondranowe414]

Best news I've heard in a long time. These beautiful elephants deserve freedom. AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@rebekahmastro4138]

Thank you for saving these beautiful ladies.

[@roberta9622]

Bless the hearts of the people who made this happen!♥️♥️♥️

[@evongilford392]

Yes❤❤❤❤Let them relax and enjoy the rest of there life...They deserve it...🐘🐘

[@carolynreed451]

Yes its nice they get to be free and relaxed

[@rvlucky2909]

That is such a great thing

[@galepatrick1702]

very uplifting news that these amazing elephants can now live life free in nature - I always hated the circus- wild animals should never be exploited for human beings - so grateful and thankful for this wonderful conservation group-

[@floridagal150]

Thanks for finding a spacious habitat for these majestic beauties. I live in Florida and would love to work at a place like this. We need more places like this for any animal being exploited.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus took care of their animals. It was exploitation they got exercise and were cared for by great people such as Guther Gebel Willams.

[@floridagal150]

@@trevorthesorcerer I actually attended their circus many years ago with my daughter and we didn't see any abuse whatsoever so I'm not sure as to why the circus has since been shut down. The exploitation was researched by PITA and other animal right's groups. We don't know the whole story.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@@floridagal150 If you did’t know The Famous Daredevil Bello the clown said there was no animal abuse at Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@@floridagal150 Also my family friend Harold Ronk the first singing Ringmaster never knew any animal abuse at The Greatest Show On Earth.

[@linedanzer4302]

No public tours. Give these majestic animals a break!! They've already entertained enough people to last them a lifetime.

[@spartan0x75]

What if the tour is far enough away from them? Then we get to excite the kids and educate the adults about conservation and why these beautiful animals deserve to be treated with dignity and protected.

[@skr8674]

They need to raise money....it costs a lot to feed them and the care.

[@amywalker7515]

They don't have to do anything but be themselves while people observe them from afar.

[@007Julie]

@@skr8674 well, just create a non profit foundation and people will give money. Check out Wildlife SOS in India. They’ve rescued dozens of elephants from their “masters” and now they live in beautiful sanctuaries. They also rescue sloth bears or begging bears, they are so happy now. Just google Wildlife SOS

[@fashiondiva6972]

@@spartan0x75 you do realize there are other ways to both raise money and educate and stimulate children’s excitement about animals, right? Sanctuaries manage to do this worldwide without further exploiting the animals just rescued from a life of being on stage. You may think they’re “just” being viewed from a distance but it’s a far more invasive experience than that. There is noise, traffic, necessary construction, changes to their just now being established routines in a new place.min other words, avoidable trauma. It’s an unnecessary and rather selfish thing to demand. It’s bad enough zoos exist. Take your kids there to excite them. There’s a damn good reason the public at large wasn’t allowed to visit (or “observe”) Koko the gorilla when she was still alive. Yet humans still can’t piece together why this would be detrimental🤦🏽‍♀️🙄

[@cynthiaweinreich9585]

I am so so happy for them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@vallee3140]

Thank goodness for people who care, so wonderful to see them as they should be wild and free.

[@Witchofthewoods.]

This is just beautiful ❤️ thankfully they get to be together with freedom and peace. These elephants have more family values and morals than human beings.

[@EjaBe23]

What a happy story for these retired elephants-they get to be just elephants-not entertainers! ❤️❤️❤️

[@jakeg3126]

I think they still are entertainers. I think they are entertaining to watch

[@inekev6566]

Thats what these animals deserves, love and freedom,and never never back to that evil circuss.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus was not evil they never abuse there animal they had the Greatest animal care.

[@smariegalski3641]

@@trevorthesorcerer You are grossly misinformed.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@@smariegalski3641 when Animal Activities slander The Greatest Show On Earth there also slander The Greatest performers and animals on earth. Such as legends like Guther Gebel Willams and Bring back alive buck some of The Greatest trainers on earth.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@@smariegalski3641 If you did’t know zoo’s trusted there animals with Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus because of there excellent animal care.

[@hashmoncrief6965]

I'm 50 years old, at 18 years old I worked in Circus Vargas with elephants, they were treated very well, we would take them to Lakes, to the ocean, walking through the woods, feed them watermelons cantaloupes and other Foods, they were checked on by veterinarians, people just got to say things to make things worse, I've never seen elephant get abused, you can call me a liar, but you never worked in a circus then you should never complain, because I guarantee if you have a dog you miss handle your dog a lot, and what about people that do horse racing, and other animal activities and performances, do you think they're all treated fairly, not , I guarantee there treated worse than elephants, once again I got the chance to hang out with him for eight years of my life, worked with one elephant for two years, didn't see her for another two-and-a-half years, and when I saw her she pick me up with a trunk and gave me a hug, people that work with elephants love their animals.

[@anntrope491]

This is a beautiful thing...thanks to all that made this happen!! ♡ u all !!

[@shuffleaccount1985]

THIS MADE ME CRY WITH JOY !!!! GOD BLESS YOU !!!!!

[@carlocalixtus]

Lovely. Thank you for saving them.

[@nikkinicole5588]

Let them babies enjoy what time they have left on this Earth. Thank you to the people that helped make it right for what all these animals have been through. God bless them.

[@lucydean1063]

Thank God! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 it’s about time! Bless these sweet creatures and the people who saved them. 🥰

[@edwhite7457]

Seeing this is the best way to start my day. Incredible animals.

[@OpenBlank4723]

I always loved Nature's Creatures Elephant's

[@magsmonroe6169]

I’m so happy for them!

[@apwrg4350]

How wonderful for them. I am so happy for them. Yes! I love them all.

[@katc2237]

To everyone who has managed to put this all together what wonderful people. The time, money, bureaucratic BS, this is so massive. I know these animals, probably more than any other animal, do have awareness of their life change and appreciates everything that has been done to help them. These animals are so fantastic. There are several sanctuaries that are working so hard to save these magnificent animals, they are incredibly smart, kind, and worth saving and giving them better lives.

[@cherylanderson9126]

No public tours. Please follow guidelines at sanctuary in TN.

[@meilinpang6562]

Thank you so much to give them better life! Love love love elephants! 🙏🙏🙏😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️😘😘😘

[@barbaraolson600]

Love this, very happy to see these elephants enjoying life, love, light, joy and blessings always to all. Thank you.

[@lukeleonard2801]

They are beautiful

[@esetapowell7662]

The Most Elephantastic News

[@yankeedoodle5691]

Fantastic news!!

[@lauraking931]

This is wonderful I am so very happy for all these beautiful precious animals Thank you for saving them from such a small space They look so happy playing in the water and mud God bless

[@cynthiafritze7418]

Thank you❤💙💚💜

[@monicalopez8634]

awwww...i smiled the whole time❤️❤️

[@LuLu-qh8hl]

That is wonderful. I watched videos of elephant sanctuaries in other countries but I’m glad there’s a new one here in the U.S.

[@heartoflions7138]

God bless those animals..

[@carolequery7950]

God bless you for saving those wonderful creatures.

[@survivor648]

This makes me so happy😍🥰

[@purberri]

This just made my day FREEDOM!

[@lauraroberts9066]

I love this story!!Happy Retirement 🐘💜

[@marinamartinez6886]

Thank you to all the conservationists across the country providing sanctuary for animals. 👏👏👏

[@TheViperman6195]

this is the best thing ever!!!! i bet they are happy!!!

[@trevorthesorcerer]

How is this best thing ever Animal activist slander Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey because they got angery at regular trainer. They made Ringling Brothers worst because of there slander.

[@Nola50]

God Bless these beautiful Angel's! They all look so happy and smiling! I'm so happy for them!!!

[@carolynreed451]

Lovely/pretty elephants

[@annajordan6789]

I went to the circus one time when I was around 8 years old. I cried as soon as the animals came out. By the time the elephants started to perform I was inconsolable. The sadness in their eyes shook me as a child. My family and I left shortly after the elephants came, I could not sit there any longer watching those animals perform.

[@equarg]

As a kid, I loved the circus. But as I got older, I made some observations. Animals from the Shriner Circus seemed way happier. Tricks were “simpler”, and less stressful. The Shriner Elephants had a electric pen they could move around in together (not chained to a stake). The pen was big enough to allow movement in. They seemed less stressed and I saw no “eccentric stress movement” like weaving or head bobbing stressed or board elephants exhibited. Heck. Even the Lions and Tigers were pretty chill. Saw very few hisses, and they were pretty mild ones compared to other aggressive displays other cats from other circuses displayed. The cats knew their roles, what they were supposed to do, and meat treats were given as rewards. Apparently one Tiger had 1 role....be the silly kitty. He was supposed to flop on the ground and roll around when it was his turn. They “fixed him” with a Tiger meat treat. Made it part of the skit. I think during “training” he did not wanna jump thru hoops or do tricks. So they used his stubborn behavior as part of the show. I also noticed the trainer in the cat cage had a whip, but never used it against the cats. It was just there as a prop mostly. At most he would point with it. I agree that perhaps it’s time to stop using animals in circuses. But Shriners Circus was by far the most humane and had the happiest, healthiest, sanest, and least stressed animals. Teaching animals to do tricks is not bad. Even big wild animals. I saw a special where they showed a humane way to teach an elephant, at a young age, how to lay down on command. It’s a soft rope system that a single person can use make a small elephant slowly get on the ground while using a verbal universal command. They had a young elephant, and a slightly older elephant on camera. The young elephant was scared. But the trainer was gentle, reassuring, and used positive reinforcement. The slightly older elephant just laid down chill as could be with no training ropes used. The trainer explained how while initially scary, this command was necessary to help with cleaning, giving veterinary treatment, and a universal way to calm a spooked elephant. Like if an elephant got a cut on its back. Say the command to lay down, elephant lays down, and you can easily treat and clean the wound. Training a multi ton intelligent animal is not easy. But any training method, that is as least physical and scary, is understandable for the safety of man and beast.

[@dmotta2811]

Awe, you were a very sensitive child and could see it wasn’t right.

[@maryk768]

I felt the same way and also felt overwhelmed by emotion. Such an amazing story. Thank you to the angels that made it happen!!

[@marybarratt2649]

Thank goodness they have a better life now. They are wonderful creatures and deserve to be free. Thank you for caring and giving them a safe, secure place to be themselves. Just look how happy they are. Greetings from the U.K.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus had the greatest animal care in world. They had the Greatest trainers such as Guther Gebel Willams.

[@careyostrer6193]

@@trevorthesorcerer the point is that elephants should not be in circuses, ever.

[@amrice62]

Thank you God and the folks that advocated for them.

[@summergivens242]

Love all of you involved in making this possible for these gentle giants. Elephants are the most passionate living creatures on this planet.

[@gaffyduck7491]

Yesss !!!!! There’s some hope in the future for these amazing creatures !!!

[@kpepperl319]

Thank you so much! This is what they deserve.

[@jennifermartinez5616]

What a beautiful place for these Intelligent, loving, and thriving creatures! 💝👍🏽 Fabulous!!

[@jennifermartinez5616]

“Let them be. Let them be beautiful on their own”

[@KevinInScotland]

This is the nicest thing I have seen on KZbin today. I hope to hear more about it sometime in the near future when the rest of the gang arrive.

[@claireingram7515]

Thanks 2021 keep me updated thank god for good people

[@dimar7641]

Finally, finally FREEDOM for these majestic elephants ! ..... God bless them.

[@riskey6788]

that’s GREAT NEWS ❤️‼️ Thanks so much for helping them‼️

[@mimemouse997]

They seem very happy 😃 in their new place.

[@smilestheclouds9659]

Asian Elephant herd absolutely beautiful❗ 😍 😆🤭Got a kick out of their names... Angelica, Mabel...💗🤗

[@rylee939]

Magnificent animals. So happy they have this large property to be free and roam together forever. May God bless them and their wonderful caretakers. ❤️

[@shaqmac1458]

Great people doing awesome things are Beautiful ♥️

[@daa4309]

This is so wonderful!! I'm glad they were able to make this happen.

[@wildechild5]

I got to see first hand what Ringling brothers did to these beautiful creatures. Run free 🐘💜

[@jaycuzman625]

Hooray

[@kimberle4753]

I LOVE this story! I LOVE elephants!!!!

[@denisefulton769]

I pray all elephants are released from barbaric conditions around the world. My heart is joyous that these ten have a little freedom in their lives. You are all angels who helped in this rescue

[@hallowedflag3373]

This is the first time in over 4 years that I have listened to CBS. I love elephants especially these elephants.

[@shannonvanderhoof4810]

YaaAAAy !! ❤🌐💙

[@mariapalavranoff4015]

Tank YOU for save this beautiful ELEFANTES ,WE LOVE YOU😘😘😘

[@MrWoofie62]

I love to see Elephants enjoying & playing together in the water. They are truly beautiful animals.

[@Buba417]

I’ve always hated circus. It’s so nice that now they can live a healthy, calm and happy life.

[@dianeoxendine7619]

I wish we could see more. And updates please

[@shonagiffen4913]

This is wonderful !

[@bemindful724]

Elephants are absolutely beautiful and incredible animals.

[@carolequery7950]

I love elephants. They deserve to have a happy life.

[@puppiesrperfect379]

i love this

[@PleaseViewMyChannel]

Yes!!! 🐾❤ Looking forward to the day where circus and the likes wont have to use and abuse animals for human's enterntainment. These creatures do not belong to cruel hands

[@trevorthesorcerer]

The Greatest Show On Earth did not abuse there animals they had the Greatest trainers on earth.

[@DavidEVogel]

Greyhound racing in the US is falling in popularity. Next to go is the traveling dolphin shows. Do not pay money and participate in this cruelty.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@@DavidEVogel you know there a sleeping giant that will come back Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus will come because know one keep The Greatest Show On Earth down forever.

[@twinkle2881]

I protested at the Circus . i noticed children took notice to my big cardboard sign i was wearing showing the abuse these animals went through . Children will absorb the Message while the adults had too much else going on to care .Yes that day will come . No more Zoos circuses side shows .

[@trevorthesorcerer]

@@twinkle2881 Harold Ronk the singing Ringmaster for Ringling Brothers circus was a family friend of my and never knew of any animals abuse at Ringling Brothers circus m.

[@andreawalker7138]

So glad to see they won't have to be forced to 'entertain' anymore and can now just be elephants. Best wishes to them.

[@trevorthesorcerer]

If you did’t know Ringling Brothers circus actually was great for the elephants health because the voice commands would let them use there brain.

[@cocacolagrl100]

When I was a child I didn’t understand why my dad didn’t come with me and family friends to the Circus. Now I understand .

[@patriciaorlando2380]

Thank you for showing this video. These Elephants dont know what has hit them with their new environment. So nice for them .❤❤❤❤