Holding signs that read, "Circus animals never have a nice day," and "Enjoy the clowns -- they CHOOSE to be here," students and community members gathered outside the Bryce Jordan Center last night to protest the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

"We're here to educate the people about how poorly the animals are treated," Jessica Parry (junior-biobehavioral health), president of Penn State's Alliance for Animal Rights said. "Our ultimate goal is to ban all circuses from State College."

Dan D'Eramo (sophomore-agricultural sciences) shouted out animal violence statistics on a loudspeaker while others held signs and chanted about animal cruelty.

Terri Nelson-Bunge, president of the local group Humanity for Animals, teamed up with the Alliance for Animal Rights to organize the protest.

"Our purpose is to protest using animals in entertainment," Nelson-Bunge said. "We know the animals are treated unfairly and we want it stopped."

David Orr, a supporter for the circus and a member of the Circus Fans Association of America, was there to pass out fliers supporting the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Orr said that he has attended a circus every year since 1946.

"I am a supporter of the circus," Orr said. "I believe in a true American circus with animals."

Orr stressed that he was a volunteer and was not being paid or associated with the Ringling Bros.

An e-mail sent to Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus last night was not returned. The circus' Web site did not list a contact phone number.

Nelson-Bunge said that the Ringling Bros. has one of the worst records on animal cruelty and violence.

"These wild animals are kept in captivity and beaten into submission," she said.

D'Eramo said that it is important to educate the people attending the circus because many don't know about the animal cruelty that occurs.

Jim Hessler (sophomore-English), secretary of the Alliance for Animal Rights, said that exploiting animals for entertainment is wrong. Hessler said he was disappointed that Penn State allowed the circus to come to town.

"I'm upset that my university condones the use of animals like this," Hessler said.

Alexa Talamo (freshman-English) said that supporting this cause is important to her because the animals belong in the wild.

"They use bullhooks, whipping and shockers to get animals to respond -- it's animal cruelty," Talamo said.

Talamo said that she believes the protest is a good cause and is thinking about joining the Alliance for Animal Rights.

Penn State University Police Supervisor Stewart Neff said staffing would not increase because of the protestors.

"We don't expect any real problems or disruptions," Neff said. "They've always been well-organized and non-confrontational."