ahead, the ringling brothers circus announces a major change. they will no longer use elephants in the traveling circus. and this week's forecast. scott: after years of protests ringling brothers announce this week they will start phasing out elephants from their circus acts. the iconic symbol should be gone by 2018. rebecca: for decades, ringling brothers corporate headquarters was based in washington and when the circus came to town, the elephants parade up as the capital. after years of complaints from animal rights activists, the ceo of feld inter-came and said it is time for a shift under the big top. >> it is the best thing for our company, associates, consumers and most of all the elephants. rebecca: pets a said -- >> this is a time of great rejoicing for all animal rights activist and the animal kingdom. rebecca: this person opened a day care in northwest, using elephants was a big reason she boycotted the circus. >> i don't go to the circus because i don't want to see them in cages or the way they are treated. rebecca: this person prefe

you think the days of the circus as we know which is numbered?circuit is is an evolving creature. the clouds have changed facts have changed tigers clowns and elephants were the staples. i see people do this all the time on television now i know why. they stick their figure in barrier. [laughter] i know these people are well meaning in their belief on the animals to be treated fairly but they don't realize elephants have very thick skin so when you see one of those animal handlers with that boat hook it looks like they're wielding of them that is like tapping somebody on the shoulder. they don't feel with the the average person doesn't know that. think there is a lot of people that are misinformed how the animals are treated. they are treated pretty good there i spent quite a few years with the circus with ringling brothers. it was working guys clowns guys, clowns, showgirls all the other accident that animals were treated the best out of all of us. even better than the showgirls believe it or not. we were on the bottom rung but the elephants wer

the circus by 2018. the move is in response to growing public concern about how the elephants are treated, as they are phased out of the shows, ringling brothers say they will be moved to a conservation center in florida. >>> developing right now the fda is encouraging extra disinfection procedures at hospitals after a deadly superbug discovered at another topicalical hospital. the bug was found at cedars-sinai medical center in los angeles. four patients are infected with the drug-resistant bacteria. another 71 patients were exposed. officials are linking the superbug to a distinct medical scope used to diagnose digestive issues. >>> medical mystery in the bay area. handful of skilled surgeons will start an extremely rare kidney donation chain that involves 12 patients. >> "today in the bay's" rob redell is live at california's pacific center in san francisco. this is the largest procedure of its kind on the west coast. explain to us how it works. >> reporter: over the next two days, six people receivin

circus owners say they're responding to customers and the growing cost of fighting anti- circus and anti-elephant laws across the country. kenneth feld is the ceo of feldti entertainment. >> we felt this was the best thing and this was the right time to do it. >> reporter: allegations of elephant abuse have plagued the circus the for years. this 2009 video taken by people for the ethical treatment of animals or peta allegedly shows elephants being beaten and prodded backstage prior to their performance. animal rights groups are taking credit for today's action. ingrid newkirk is peta's president. >> it's been a lonely and miserable time for them in captivity. it never should have happened. it should stop now, not three years from now. it should stop now. >> reporter: in 2011, feld entertainment paid a $270,000 fine for alleged violations of the animal welfare act. but lawsuits brought by others animal rights groups alleging elephant abuse never succeeded. in fact, after a 14-year battle, those groups were forced to pay the circus $25 million for legal fees. >> these animal rightsth organizations

in circus, i'm not a, i don't work for the circus. tell you this, all the times i've seen ringling behind the scenes since 19, since 1972, i know a lot of people i don't remember one time i saw anybody abuse any animal in that circus. that doesn't mean that people should think elephants should be out there in the wild, that kind of thing. as far as in the circus i don't know the answer. i know all animals they currently have treated well. remember something, 95% of animals in zoos come from other zoos. we don't pluck them out of the wild. we don't do that anymore. if i need tiger giraffe at our zoo, american association of zoos, we collect the sperm and eggs whatever it might be for animals. research we do, everybody is incredible. liz: don't you think it is interesting, jack, that he told fox business just an hour ago, there was a mood change, there was a change in the shift. he was hearing from families who said, we don't want to bring our kids anymore to see animals. >> correct. liz: maybe click after whip to get them to jump up on

>> a reprieve for circus elephants.ne bay area zoo is considered a model for how they're treated. >> look. he's gliding in here right now. >> oh, no. >> video just in of harrison ford's vintage plane in seconds before it crashed this afternoon in southern california. good evening, i'm dan ashley. >> i'm ama daetz. >> harrison ford is recovering in a southern california hospital after crash landing in a golf course. we're just getting a glimpse at home video ashe crash happened. >> oh nochlt oh no. >> witnesses say ford had just taken off from santa monica airport before suddenly turning around crashing down in the 1940s plane here at the penmar golf course in venice. two doctors who happened to be at the course rushed in to treat him. first responders would not confirm the pilot's identity. >> i can report the patient left the scene conscious and breathing. >> ford has flown planes for years and this is not his first crash the others were less serious. he broke his leg recently during the filming of the new

elephants there will continue to be big circus draws. ringling said its decision was part of local laws restricting animal acts. but treatment becomes more controversial. another factor the $65,000 a year maintenance cost per an plal which is not exactly peanuts. tom ackerman, al jazeera. >> a reminder, you can keep updated at aljazeera.com. lapped of the free. tell that to the leakers who risk their lives to tell you what the government doesn't want you to know. i'll look at how national security sometimes trumps the first amendment, and talk to a legend in journalism who says president obama may be the worst for press freedom since nixon. and the hidden by as that could boardroom. i talk to a woman who knows the system for beating the system and closing the gender gap. i'm ali velshi, and this is "real money".

. >>> we're back now with that big change coming to the circus. ringling brothers and barnum and bailey made a surprising announcement today saying it will begin to phase out one of its fixtures for the show for years and by 2018 will no longer use elephants in its show. our national correspondent kate snow has this report. >> reporter: they've been one of the star attractions for the entire 145 years that the ringling brothers circus has been in business. but now it will retire the 13 elephants that are still part of the show. >> consumer sentiment has changed somewhat. we feel that they don't want to see elephants traveling. >> reporter: animal rights groups say the decision shows how much attitudes towards animals are changing. >> it's really like a berlin wall moment in animal welfare. i think we've reached a tipping point in our society when regular people said, hey, i like the circus, i like to be entertained but not at this price. not if elephants have to be chained for 22 hours a day. >> reporter: there are literally thousands of youtube v

using elephants was a big reason she boycotted the circus. >> i don't go to the circus. i don't want to see the animals in cages. >> the co-worker grew up loving the circus but preferred other acts seeing animals he loved inside a tent. >> as a kid i always liked the clowns and, you know, the acrobats and things more than the elephants. >> it's this new generation of animal loving circus goers that they say the company now plans to focus on allowing elephants to retire to the sanctuary they established in florida. >> we really just want to get back to what we do best which is creating live entertainment and creating incredible experiences that families can enjoy together. >> an entertainment sp for now the tigers and big cats will remain in the circus but the company that also produces disney on ice and monster jams and other major productions says it will now focus on high-tech, high wire acts for the new generation of circus goers. in the newsroom rebecca cooper, abc 7 news. >> all right. we're getting word now of more school closings coming in. >> just heard from mont

the circus is this great american tradition. i was taken to the -- dragged to the circus.errified. the elephants scared me. >> i mean that in the loveliest way. >> everything about the circus scared me as a kid. >> you're like get rid of it. >> i never got it. i never got the appeal of it. clowns, kids are scared by clowns all the time. the entire scene of the circus. the smell of the place. it's just disgusting. >> the smell of warm fecal matter is not what you wanted? >> i know god. keep me away from the circus. >> it's true that the ringling brothers will still use lions, tigers horses dogs and camels. what about tigers? they seem like a species we should be taking better care of in the world. who doesn't love a good dog? >> this is the tricky thing for anything like a zoo, like a circus, where beautiful wild creatures are presented for the dellication mostly of children. i've taken my kids to the zoo. they love it. the argument i think, that people who run these businesses typically make is here's a way to entrance children with the beauty of nation and go onto become

protests have taken place across the country where they hold the circus including in the bay area. officials say some cities and counties have passed anticircus ordinanaces so it is difficult to plan tours. activists including peta claim they are mistreated. officials deny the accusations but told the associated press they came to the decision because of growing public concern of how the animals of treated. >> there is a move among consumers a shift in the mood and we went to get back to it crag live entertainment and creating incredible expenses -- experiences. >> center in florida will only be open to scientists and researchers study the elephants but hope the public will be allowed in. >>> thank you matt. >>> new york's la guardia airport is shut down because a plane skid off the runway. >> self went to the hospital with injuries. delta originated in atlanta with 130 passengers and crew. officials say the plane was landing in the snowy and icy condition and it slid and skidded over a berm and came to resolution -- rest against a fence. they open to re-open one runway soon. >>> t

and barnum & bailey circus made a major announcement today.y are phasing out elephant acts after decades of controversy about how they are treated. ktvu's tom vacar reports from oakland where local law already bans circus elephant acts. >> reporter: for circuses getting exotic and dangerous animals to do tricks has been their bread and butter, something they will cease doing by 2018. >> it is not appropriate to use the animals anymore. >> reporter: some say zoos also confine wild animals, denying them freedom. >> our mission is to educate the public about animals and support conversation programs in the wild. >> reporter: most zoo animals were not captured in the wild. they were rescued from being abused pets or performers. >> or we have our own breeding program so we don't have to take animals from the wild. >> reporter: they are becoming embassadors. >> the wild population are declining and we need the education to help those animals. >> reporter: she says the zoo is a priceless teaching aid. >> i think they are an educational opportunity fo

al qaeda operates here and only the committees are here to protect the south >>> when the circus came to town, it used to be the greatest show on earth. now a famous american company. ringling brothers are retiring a star performer after shocking video emerged of elephants being beaten. you may find some of the pictures disturbing. >> reporter: for more than a century in america, the elephant parade is a star that the circus has come to town. the star attractions from the wrigley circus. 13 president obama determines are heading for -- pacaderms are heading for retrirt after the company announced they'll no longer be the part the act. they'll join a center in florida, where they join others that are too old or resistance. >> if they are not comfortable. they stay and live here receiving the best of care. >> that's not what animal right champions say in these undercover videos in 2009. the organization says handlers can be seen beating the animals and sinking bull hooks into the skin of baby elephants, which cry out in pain. in 2011 this video of an elderly elephant being beaten prompt

. >> just ahead the circus says good-bye. a decision sparked in part by the city of oakland. >> it was just a matter of time before another city passed the ban. >>> the ripple effect across the country now that elephants are packing their trunks. >>> spring is in the air i'll let you know how long this warmth will last coming up. >>> the california congressman who is a french bulldog may lead to a big change for amtrak. >>> seven on your side reveals the concern behind life's morning multitasking. it's multiple ideas for growing families and drawers with many layers to show exactly what you need. life's the food that brings us together. and kitchens where every meal is the most important of the day. >>> this is bittersweet, the elephants have been on the circus for 145 years. this is a real shift. >> ringling brothers and barnum bailey is phasing out its elephant acts over the next three years. leann in a joins us from the oakland zoo where that news was welcomed. >> certainly a lot of animal rights groups applauding today's

there has been growing concern about the treatment of animals in the circus. executives insist the animals are not mistreated and they are not react to the criticism but rather making this decision for the circus' loyal fan who is said they are uncomfortable. most people we spoke to this morning are happy about this decision. >> i very much approve of it. i think we should get rid of all animal act and entertainment. >> i'm happy to hear they are paying attention to the needs of animals and that the if elephants are can be. >> that's what it's about, people abusing elephants. >> they will be held at the preserve in florida. >>> now to an update on the closure of the airport after a plane slid off the runway this morning. one runway has just reopened. it is expected to rerope at 7:00 new york time. two people are being checked out at the hospital. the ntsb is on the way to investigate. some flights are being divert. air traffic already snarled due to the heavy snow they have been dealing with. >>> we are being spoiled with an early taste of spring, right mark?

. >>> plus circus change. no more elephants for ringling brothers. some of your comments coming up. >>> oh some good news about our banking system. all 31 of the nation's biggest banks are in the best shape since the recession. they all passed the fed's stress test which measures whether they would be able to survive another major recession. >>> for the sixth year in a row fortune magazine says the best company to work for is google clinching the title with its updated parental leave policy. parents get 12 full weeks with pay regardless of gender. >> wow. >> that's pretty good isn't that? they get $500 to spend on the child called baby bonding bucks. that's on top of the other perks like the free cafeteria and un unlimited sick days. i could see you taking advantage of that unlimited sick days. >> are they hiring? >> they might be. >> the company that sells snuggies did you get one of these -- the company is paying $8 million for hiding extra fees under a blanket. all-star marketing group advertised its products as buy one get one free but state and

we are live in l.a. >>> circus decision. the greatest show on earth goes on without the elephants. ringling brothers and the reason behind it. >>> and later in "the skinny." facing the music, celebrities ready to roast justin bieber, including a famous domestic diva. it is friday, march 6th. >>> hey, everyone. good morning. it's friday. i'm reena ninan. >> i'm t.j. holmes. thank you for spending some time with us. let's start with this close call. la guardia we have all flown in and out of this airport a lot. fair to call it one of the trickiest airports out there. >> very busy. >> good way to describe it. always some issue there, it seems. man, there was an issue yesterday. >> sure was. passengers and crew scrambling off the wing of their delta flight at newark's la guardia airport surrounded on three sides by water. the jet nearly skidded in to the icy bay off the main runway. abc's gio benitez reports from the scene. >> we have an aircraft off 3-1 on the north vehicle area. please advise crash rescue la guardia airport is closed at this time. >> reporter: close calls don't come

his lawyer admitted his guilt in the matter >>> the wrigley brother's circus is retiring their elephants. animal rights activists accused them of mistreating the elephants and pressured the circus to stop using them. they that service local laws that caused the decision. >>> a man on death row is waging a fight for just of the he wants to be compensated for the years he pent behind bars. >> the fight is taking on urge sill. >> i was there, i was praying, hopeless sometimes. >> after 30 years, wrongly xcted of murder. glen fights the state of louisiana. >> one more fight. one more thing i have to do. >> he's been exonerated. but the state says ford should not be exonerated because he can't prove he's blameless. >> i see an innocent man, when the public is saying in court records that he is innocent. i was stunned to hear that the state was going to oppose. >> in 1984 an all-white jury convicted ford in the shooting death of a jury store owner. there was no evidence he pulled the trigger or had been at the crime scene. he was linked to the crime after pawning its. >> you sit on death row t

and elephants, take your final circus bows. the chairman and ceo of ringling parent companies on his first business interview on why the elephants, the horses will stay, but the elephants are leaving the circus room. kenneth feld with me live. liz:we have breaking news and it is actually good news. now la guardia airport has indeed been opened once again. fully opened. this is four hours early after the delta flight skidded off a runway right into very close to the bay. i mean, we're talking about 2 feet. that's how close that nose got to skidding in. again, maybe a few minor injuries. absolutely nothing serious. the good news is that la guardia airport has been fully reopened. the biggest merger of the year hit the tape. abbvie is down 5.5%. down about five and a third percent. after winning a three-way bidding competition to win a billion dollar acquisition. that company is up 10%. the traders liked this one and the investors. (?) we have breaking news on this, tivo trumps the networks? just as nbc and others are working over

. >>> ringling brothers, barnum & bailey circus says it will remove all elephants from the act amidst growing concerns of how the elephants are treated. they'll be moved to a conservation center in florida. >> a lot of people concerned about that. it is 5:27 right now. >>> coming up, facebook executive sheryl sandberg teams up with basketball stars in hotj69 furthering women's rights. >>> plus -- >> ifm6pe get shouted down will have to apologize and leave? an./unexpected guest attends a vigil for the homeless man shot to death by lapd officers. what happened when this lapd officer walked in to pay his respects. >>> plus the man accused of planting bombs in the boston marathon bombing back in court this morning. we'll have a live report from boston right after the break. >>> the boston marathon bombing suspect heads back to court this morning. what we can expect on the second day of testimony. >>> and the sexual lawsuit that grabbed the attention in san francisco. >> a couple days away from a beautiful day and things will change rapidly next week. stick around your full forecast is com

the most famous circus in america.ay, making a surprise announcement when it comes to the elephants. here's abc's linsey davis. >> reporter: news tonight that the very animals practically sin synonymous with the circus are headed fir their final curtain call. ringing brothers parent company announcing today that the iconic elephant performances will be e eliminated by 2018. >> it is bittersweet, because the elephants have been on the circus for 145 years. but it's the best thing for our company and most of all, for the elephants. >> reporter: this after a growing chorus has expressed concern about how the elephants are treated. the ring leader in these protests peta who now says the 2018 date is too far off. >> we don't want to be fighting off legislation, you know week in and week out, city to city. >> reporter: the elephants, such an integral part of this american tradition. jumbo, the first international animal superstar, was said to bring in the largest crowds in the history of pt bar name's greatest show on earth.

the owner of a chinese circus says he has not heard what will happen to the animals.ts activists have been tracking them for cases of abuse. and animal rights activists praising ringling brothers to stop using elephants but say the retirement should happen right away. the circus said public attitudes have changed and activists note the success of cirque du soleil shows you don't need animals for a profitable circus. >>> a bride to be came out in force today. the brides against breast cancer nationwide tour stopped today at the hilton garden inn and hundreds of brand name gently used gowns were on sale up to 85%. all of the proceeds will support cancer programs for patients and families. >> we had over 150 people show up today for our vip and general admission. so we are still kicking around here. and it's been a fantastic show. we're on our way to raising $10,000 today. >> reporter: the tour of gowns is part of a 120 city tour. >>> keeping kids active to keep them off the streets. the big name special guest they faced off against today in a game of football. >>> there

>> also rae previous tonight for circus elephant. see why one bay area zoo is considered a model for how they are treated. >> sandhya is here with our weather. >> we have just skipped ahead to the next season. let you know how long the spring like warmth will last coming up. >> and san francisco is getting ready for the year of the ram. i. >> law bans prostitution being challenge ending tonight by prostitutes. and one of the clients. they are suing in federal court to over turn the law. carolyn tyler has the story. >> maximum eep has been working as prostitute for more than 20 years. she's the organizer behind the lawsuit. 3 other women and one client argue california ban on prostitution is unconstitutional. >> we are adults. we can make decision about our sexuality. and we think that is protected under the constitution under the first amend. the right for free speech. the right to sexual privacy. >> what about sex workers not consenting exploratorium is a hub for human trafficking exploratorium district attorney george is one of 4 b

new this morning, barnum and bailey circus are bowing to public pressure and ending the famous elephant act. they tell the ap the acts will be phased out by the year 2018. the decision is based on the growing public concern about the treatment of the elephants who will now retire to an animal preserve in florida. pam cook is looking into the story and gathering local reaction. we'll hear from her later in this newscast. >>> your time is 7:06. police have made several arrests with three homicides in vallejo. the 19-year-old cortez was arrested tuesday at jail on three separate counts of murder. he was already in jail for an unrelated case. a 17-year-old vallejo resident was also arrested in connection with two of the shootings and they arrested johnson and her father-in-law connection with one of the shootings. the police are still busy actively investigating all three homicides. >>> the police chief of l s altos is apologizeing because of burglaries. another community meeting will focus on this issue? >> reporter: yes. weaver been stopping and talking to people in this neighborhood and

." >> when i was a boy my father would take me to the circus. it's amazing.e tent full of dancing clowns leaping acrobats, stupefying magicians! then we got a tv, and i realized the circus sucks! oh! your music! this one can talk! checkmate barnum! the sir coz is an old rubber tent full of dying potential that travels between towns like a hobo's reused condom. (laughter) he's gross, but he's safe! and now it's about to get even sadder. >> some circus elephants are about to lose their jobs forever. ringling brothers and barnum & bailey announce by 2017 all elephant performances will end. >> thanks obama! what am i going to do now? wash cars? put out fires? other flintstones (bleep)? that's a cartoon! be realistic. the elephants were the only good part of the show! why would those ringling pricks get rid of them? >> the animals' treatment often criticized as cruel. >> coarsively trained. sinking bull hooks into their skin. >> chained for 22 hours a day. that's insane! you can't do that to the elephants! you can't even do that to dakota johnson! and i ain't payi

my aunt used to work for the circus. i rode on the backs of elephants.fond memories of these things. as an adult, i know they're not -- >> being marched around little cages. >> the crowns pulled me out. it was a very fun thing. as an adult i recognize there's other ways to get entertainment. it's not necessarily fair to the animals. i'll miss it. it was a big part of my childhood. >> sheera we'll go to you so jay can get hess composure. >> this is not a past time i will miss at all. let's watch a baseball game instead. it's crawl what they have done to animals, and i think it's absolutely wonderful that consumers have made the choice to stop supporting it. i think that's one of the best parts about our country, and it made a difference. as the market changed and americans have changed. >>> everyone stay with me. when we come back paris hilton's brother might be getting off from an alleged air-rage incident. we'll talk about it next. because i make the best chicken noodle soup. because i make the best chicken noodle soup. for every way you make chicken no

. >> ifill: and, a disappearing circus act. the ringling brothers move to retire elephants from performances under the big tent. those are some of the stories we're covering on tonight's pbs newshour. >> major funding for the pbs newshour has been provided by: >> this is about more than work. it is about growing a community. everyday across the country, the men and women of the i.b.e.w. are committed to doing the job right, doing the job safe, and doing the job on time. because while we might wire your street, we're also your friends and neighbors. i.b.e.w. the power professionals in your neighborhood. >> lincoln financial-- committed to helping you take charge of your life and become you're own chief life officer. >> supported by the john d. and catherine t. macarthur foundation. committed to building a more just, verdant and peaceful world. more information at macfound.org >> and by the alfred p. sloan foundation. supporting science, technology, and improved economic performance and financial literacy in the 21st century. >>

perform andances in zoos but elephants hear will be big circus draws.gling says the decision was partly the result of more local laws restricting animal acts but critics say they are losing popularity as the treatment becomes controversial, another factor is 65,000 a year maintenance cost per animal which is not exactly peanuts. tom ackerman al jazeera. >>> in our global view segment we look at how news outlets across the globe react to various stories, brazil former foreign minister compares venezuela president nicolas maduro to macbeth and says it's broken and says brazil's ambiguous position on political crack down in venezuela is a mistake that effects the credibility of traditional defense on human rights and democratic values and the post weighs on benjamin netanyahu address before the u.s. congress saying the speech was damaging and humiliating and distrust between muslim nations and hindu has controversy over a documentary which a convicted rapist was interviewed about his crime under the headline ban is not the solution the newspaper says the d

the circus i am saying yes. >> i call that fat face greg era.a gilligan who made the mistake of telling us when she was growing up she attended a summer camp run by quakers. this is a total true thing. and she apparently spent a lot of time without any clothes. that lead to quite a bit of viewer mail and it disgusted me. >> i decided to go to quaker camp this summer. i don't president what to pay the -- i don't want to pay the deposit until i know which anna gilligan will be at. now if the quaker camp is the one that goes nude. there is nothing more disgusting than the thought of naked anna gilligan frol i can ling among the trees and grassy fields. i can only imagine her bear body rolling in the leaves. what about those who were scared her blonde hair dancing in the wind. i disgust me sir for brenging it up. >> i agree she is a gift from god, but a gift that should be appreciated. it is wrong to think of her back at quaker camp. frolicking through the woods and wearing nothing but daisies in her hair and the morning dew dripping from the muscle

the circus says it will no longer use elephant acts by the year 2018. they've been met with protests over how the pack aderms are treated in the circus. >>> warren buffett's company owns more than 80 businesses including geico, burlington northern, and has major stakes in giants like coca-cola, ibm and american express. we begin by asking the oracle of omaha how he thinks the economy's doing. >> we're continuing to make progress just like we have at a fairly steady pace ever since the fall of 2009. things hit bottom. the whole country was basically paralyzed for a period of time. and once we started coming back, we kept coming back. i get figures by the day almost, certainly by the week. and most of our businesses are doing more business than they were last year. and they are doing more business last year than the year before. we've not hit anything like a boom type. but compared to the rest of the world. the united states has really been leading the world out of what was sort of the recession to end all recessions. >> even though we have been doing bet

animal rights groups took credit for putting pressure on the circus.he elephants will be retired and move to a conservation center by 218. circus says their decision is in the best interest of the elephants. we'll right back. ♪ others. now, americans everywhere are discovering that... spoon after spoon... dish after dish... time, after time, after time again... deliciously creamy galbani ricotta inspires meals, and moments, that are simply better. mmm, galbani (sfx: kiss). italy's favorite cheese brand. now, america's number one ricotta. huh, fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. everybody knows that. well, did you know pinocchio was a bad motivational speaker? i look around this room and i see nothing but untapped potential. you have potential. you have...oh boy. geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. >>> "eyewitness news" returns in the morning at 4:00 o'clock with ukee washington, erika von tiehl and meteorologist katie phalin injury. we thank you for watching us tonight on

animal rights groups took credit for putting pressure on the circus. elephants will be retired and move to a conservation center by 218. circus says their decision is in the best interest of the elephants. we'll right back. ♪

>> a reprieve for circus elephants. why one bay area zoo is considered a model for how they're treated. >> look. he's gliding in here right now. >> oh, no. >> video just in of harrison ford's vintage plane in seconds before it crashed this afternoon in southern california. good evening, i'm dan ashley. >> i'm ama daetz. >> harrison ford is recovering in a southern california hospital after crash landing in a golf course. we're just getting a glimpse at home video as the crash happened. >> oh nochlt oh no. >> witnesses say ford had just taken off from santa monica airport before suddenly turning around crashing down in the 1940s plane here at the penmar golf course in venice. two doctors who happened to be at the course rushed in to treat him. first responders would not confirm the pilot's identity. >> i can report the patient left the scene conscious and breathing. >> ford has flown planes for years and this is not his first crash the others were less serious. he broke his leg recently during the filming of the new star

they've protested outside circus perfect performances for years calling for the circus to do just this>> l.a. banned the bull hook. >> reporter: a move he believes may have swayed ringling brothers. >> it was heartfelt because many children and families had concerns about whether or not this would mean an end to the circus coming, so we could not be prouder of ringling brothers he to make this decision. >> reporter: the focus will be on elephant conservation and shifting consumer practices. >> and it's time to get all elephants out of entertainment and we can start with six flags. >> reporter: six is flags relocated its two elephants to oregon in part to pro-vide a more social environment that elephants from another facility will be on loan this season. that company does not treat elephants humanely. have trunk will travel has operated the program for the past two years. during their tenure we have only observed great care and respect in their management of their elephants. >> amusement park is no place where an animal should live. >> reporter: a spokesperson says elephants have always

think they're not treating the elephants well and the wave of anti-circus, anti-elephant ord nnlss. the city of oakland banned the use of a poker like device trainers use to train and control the elephants. now an effort spearheaded by the belmont bay animal rights group. you can see them demonstrating the device for the past 28 years he has been protesting and documenting ringling's abuse of animals. he's not surprised by the decision to remove the elephants. he doesn't think he should retire them to the conservation center in florida but to a sanctuary elsewhere. >> i don't think they ever cared about the elephants. i think they should be sent to an established sanctuary personally where they can be with other elephants who are out there roaming freely in the sanctuary. >> that was pat, the head of the humanities for education. he thinks he should be banning all animals, moving to an animal animal-based perform ps. we spoke with peta this morning, and while they're excited about the news they criticize them for waiting until 2018 to phase out the elephants acts. >> thank you very