CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus arrives in Charlotte around 8 p.m. Tuesday.

Animals will get off the train at the railroad tracks on 3rd Street near Trade Street.

The animals' route will go from the end of 3rd to Poplar to 5th streets to Caldwell Avenue, then into the loading dock of the Arena.

Several animal rights groups plan to protest the animal walk and the circus.

Members say they want to bring attention to animal abuse.

A recent lawsuit claims the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus violates the federal endangered species act in its treatment of asian elephants.

Click here for more information on the circus.