Ringling Circus Opens In Philadelphia For Five-Day Run

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The circus is in town, in South Philadelphia, through Sunday.

This tour is called "Fully Charged," and children of all ages should get a charge out of it.

Ringmaster Brian Crawford Scott (right), the voice of the big top, says don't blink when Brian Miser, "The Human Fuse," gets shot through the air, the length of the arena, from a crossbow -- while on fire.

Then, there's the exotic animal trainer and presenter, Tabayara "Taba" Maluenda.  Taba is the sixth generation of his family to work the circus.

"This man gets tigers to do things that no one else in the world can do," says Scott.

Taba also puts massive Asian elephants through their paces.  And yes, says Ringmaster Scott, they are quite light on their feet:  "The tricks that they do on their cross mounts and dancing on their bull tubs, it's fantastic to watch."

Ticketholders can arrive at the Wells Fargo Center an hour before showtime to learn more about circus skills, and get an up-close look at the animal stars.  They'll also be able to visit the animal open house to learn more about the efforts of Ringling Brothers in saving the endangered Asian elephants.

Reported by Steve Tawa, KYW Newsradio 1060.