IT'S OFFICIAL: NO MORE EXOTIC ANIMAL ACTS FOR COLE BROS.

"It's been a tradition every year -- we've had elephants and tigers. But times have changed, and we're hoping to bring more action," [Cole Bros. senior marketing director Ron] West said. "All the animal rights people -- I hate to say this -- but they've won the war." But Cole Bros., which is celebrating its 121st year, says by no means can it be considered a loser. This year, the circus sold about $7,600 in advanced ticket sales for the four evening performances that end tonight at U-Sell Flea Market on South Delsea Drive. That figure is the highest in the past five years that the traveling circus has set up shop there, West said.

Of course ending animal-abuse entertainment is a win-win. But though the so-called 'war' isn't won yet, the trend lines are obvious to all but the most thick-headed. Within five years, elephants and tigers in circuses will be a thing of the past.