娱乐英语新闻:Elephants, horses to join Jackson's circus-like memorial

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- Michael Jackson's fans would see a circus-like memorial when a herd of elephants and seven horses march into the Staples Center, Los Angeles, according to media reports.

These animals are scheduled to parade into the complex before dawn Tuesday in preparation for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus opening there Wednesday.

The Staples Center in Los Angeles is shown in this undated publicity photo. A public memorial for Michael Jackson is expected to be held on Tuesday in Staples Center, a concert promoter said on Thursday, as the singer's former wife said she planned to fight for custody of their children. Jackson, 50, died a week ago of cardiac arrest.

    "The elephants are very comfortable around people," said Amy McWethy, spokeswoman for Ringling Bros.' parent company, Feld Entertainment. "They have their handlers with them all the time. They're used to light and other factors, and they're used to noise."

People stroll outside the Staples Center in Los Angeles in this file photo

The circus will be using the same arena as the Jackson event, but the animals — which also include big cats — will be stowed in a barn until the crowds clear out, McWethy said.

    Animal Services is working with the police department to escort the mammals during their march, which will begin at 3:30 a.m. PDT and last for about two hours.

    "Our experience in the past has been good and we don't expect any incidents," said Kathy Davis, interim manager of the city's Animal Services department.