While parents and children crowded into the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) this weekend to enjoy the Toby Tyler Circus, about 20 protesters stood outside, holding signs and speaking out against animal cruelty.

The protesters represented two animal rights groups: Humanity for Animals and the Alliance for Animal Rights. In addition to holding signs, members gave out stickers promoting awareness about animal rights.

They held protests under the Center's marquis sign at both the Friday night and Saturday afternoon performances.

However, Phil Dolce, circus promoter for the Toby Tyler circus said the performers were unaware of the protesters outside of the BJC. He said the large crowd was also unaffected.

"We had a thousand people, and no one said anything," Dolce said. "Our heart was in the right place, and people were delighted."

Terri Nelson-Bunge, founder of Humanity for Animals, has protested other circuses in the past but said the group's presence was especially important.

"Wild animals are forced to live in small cages, travel for most of their existence and are beaten and chained in order to perform silly tricks for our enjoyment," Nelson-Bunge said. "We're here to educate the public about cruelty involved in the circus."

Dolce had no response to allegations of past infractions.

"We are leaders in the industry," he said.

Melissa Toney (graduate-curriculum and instruction), a member of Humanity for Animals, attracted the most attention from passersby by calling out, "Enjoy the clowns; they choose to be here."

Toney said protests are important because too many people do not understand the reality of how animals are treated in a circus setting.

She also said she protests for personal reasons.

"I care about animals, and when I see people mistreating them, I get upset about it," she said.

Amy Smith protested as a community member and member of Humanity for Animals.

"I'm here mostly on animal concerns and the way they are transported," Smith said. "They travel in box cars -- too hot or too cold -- for 40 weeks out of the year."

She said protesting can be "terrifying" because most people do not agree with what the group is doing.

"We're here, and we're sticking to our guns," Smith said.

Sarah Rohan (junior-animal bioscience) held a sign quoting Gandhi as she watched people walk by and joke about the protest.

"If I was born in another era, I would fight for emancipation and women's rights," Rohan said. "Anyone who laughs at what we're doing for animals needs to know that this is the next big revolution."

She said education is the most important part of fighting for animal rights.

Jessica Parry, president of Alliance for Animals, also said she thought education is the most important message of the protest.

"The only reason the animals are here performing tonight is because they were abused in the process," Parry said. "We have to stand here and speak for those who can't speak for themselves."