The Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus Center For Elephant Conservation is doing its part to save the endangered Asian Elephant. There have been nearly two dozen births since it opened. That some of the animals born at the center eventually make their way to the center ring. The opening parade of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus kicks the show off with a bang. And one of the elephants strutting her stuff is Angelica. Born in 1997 at the Center for Elephant Conservation in central Florida, this is Angelica's first circus tour. Handlers say they knew early on that Angelica could be very comfortable as a performer. The CEC is not just a training ground for the circus. It's breeding and research program findings are shared with conservationists around the world who are trying to shore up the endangered Asian Elephant population. However, the possibility always exists that these pachyderms will one day become a part of the circus. The circus is criticized by animal rights groups for its treatment of elephants and the other animals who travel with the show and perform. However, the people who care for these animals say those criticisms are unfounded.