NATIONWIDE -- It's the end of an era for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' iconic elephant acts. The company announced on Thursday it will phase out the elephants from their traveling circus performances by 2018.
The move comes after years of complaints and lawsuits by animal activists, alleging mistreatment of the animals.
"They abused these animals," said animal advocate Megan Masters. "They used bull hooks. They chained them. They whipped them. They spend over 20 hours a day in hot boxed cars."
In 2011, the circus' parent company agreed to pay a $270,000 fine to settle allegations that it violated federal animal welfare laws.
The 14 elephants currently traveling with the circus will join more than 40 others at the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation, a 200-acre sanctuary in Florida.
The company plans to focus on its elephant conservation program, helping save the endangered Asian elephant for future generations.
"I just hope that they get a better life," said Masters. "I just hope that they can finally get some peace."
The circus will still feature other performing animals, like tigers, lions, horses, dogs and camels.