Eleven Asian elephants and seven horses are scheduled to lumber into a side entrance of L.A.'s Staples Center before dawn Tuesday in preparation for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus opening there Wednesday.

The arena is being used Tuesday for Michael Jackson's memorial service. And depending on when Michael Jackson fans show up, they
and the circus animals could come face to face. A Ringling Bros.
spokeswoman says crowds won't faze the animals. She says the
elephants are very comfortable around people and are used to lights
and noise.

Only early birds will catch a glimpse; the three-mile march from Union Station to the Staples Center is expected to begin at 3:30 a.m. Pacific time and to last about two hours.