10:43am UK, Wednesday August 19, 2009

Sara Merchant, Sky News reporter

An undercover investigation by Animal Defenders International (ADI) filmed three elephants - Sonja, Delhi and Vana Mana - during the circus's tour of Britain this summer.

A groom is seen deliberately twisting an animal's tail and the elephants are shown crying out in distress and retreating in fear from their handlers.

Jan Creamer, ADI chief executive, said: "In the name of entertainment these elephants are beaten, jabbed with hooks, chained up for hours, and pushed into a metal box each week where they remain for hours on end whilst the circus moves to another site."

This is the first time elephants have been seen performing inside a big top in ten years.

The two Asian and one African elephant have been transported round the country for the tour.

Camera catches elephant action

Ms Creamer added: "This is an indictment of the circus industry and also the Government who have failed to fulfil their commitment to ban the use of wild animals in travelling circuses.

"It is time for the Government to act decisively and end this suffering for once and all."

The animals are also shown swaying, rocking and repeatedly bobbing their heads.

The campaigners claim their behaviour is evidence of deeply disturbed animals, deprived of their herd, natural habitat and ability to roam.

But a spokesman for the Great British Circus said: "Studies by eminent scientists reveal that trained animals sway and head-bob in excited anticipation, for example before a performance or as food is prepared."

He added: "We do see the trainer strike an elephant with a wooden stick. When the elephants are feeding, they are prone to bully one another and attempt to steal food.

"If voice commands are ignored, a minimal and proportionate use of negative reinforcement may be used on rare occasions."

The groom caught on camera striking the elephants has now been sacked.