The performance elephants, both in their mid-40s, are considered “middle-age” and work upward of 28 weeks out of the year during the circus’ nine-month tour, according to Solheim.

While on the road, travelling around 24,000 km annually, the animals are housed in customized semi-trailers “where they can lay down, they have water, they can socialize with each other…ventilation, they’re insulated.”

“We’re not really dummies when it comes to ensuring the animals are well taken care of and what we’re providing is exceptional,” Solheim said.

When the animals aren’t on the road they are kept at a Florida conservation home that’s open to public tours and offers education programs.

“We’re held accountable for our operations and we also feel that the notable things we do should be taken into consideration as we do them, and not as others may do them,” Solheim said.

The Town said it wasn’t made aware of the petition but did receive one letter from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) expressing concern over the event.

“There is no regulatory mechanism for us to say the circus can, or cannot, come to town,” said co-ordinator of licensing and enforcement Blaine Lucas.

The circus has co-operated with the Town’s recommendation that agents from the Oakville & Milton Humane Society be present throughtout the weekend to inspect the care of the animals.

“They will be attending from ship in to ship out,” said OMHS spokesperson Brenda Dushko. “They’ll do patrols, they’ll make sure the animals are being cared for properly.”

The two OMHS agents will apply the Ontario SPCA Act during their inspections and “if we feel there are issues we can lay charges,” Dushko said.