#United States #Washington #animal welfare #elephant cruelty #circus elephants

A Decade Beyond Ringling Bros.: The Ongoing Suffering of Circus Elephants

It has been ten years since Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced the end of elephant performances, marking a significant milestone in the circus industry amid growing concerns for animal welfare. However, the anticipated salvation for elephants has proven elusive, as 14 elderly elephants are still forced to travel across the United States, enduring brutal conditions in various circuses and exhibitions.

According to the Humane World for Animals, an organization committed to ending animal cruelty, these elephants, many in their fifties and beyond, are subjected to a life of confinement, violent training regimes, and dangerous travel. The public has largely transitioned away from the notion that elephant acts are still prevalent in circuses; instead, these shows continue in the shadows, revealing a grim reality for these elephants entangled in what some call the 'wild animal circus racket.'

The Exhibitors and Their Circles of Suffering

The fourteen aging elephants belong to six exhibitors, each perpetuating their exploitation:

• - Carden International Circus (Missouri)
• - Elephant Walk (Florida)
• - Carson Barnes Circus (Oklahoma)
• - Franzen Bros. Circus (Florida)
• - Tarzan Zerbini (Missouri)
• - Trunks and Humps (Texas)

These businesses rent out their elephant shows to a variety of venues across the country, participating in events such as fairs and Renaissance festivals. In between performances, these elephants find themselves parked in roadside zoos masquerading as sanctuaries. However, these facilities often provide little more than a semblance of safety, offering the public cruel interactions with the elephants that further jeopardize their well-being.

According to Laura Hagen, Managing Director of Wildlife at Humane World for Animals, the industry resorting to the exploitation of these magnificent creatures has exposed them to inhumane treatment for their entire lives. "The elephants have faced severe physical and psychological trauma due to the brutal methods of training and travel. They deserve the right to a peaceful existence in accredited sanctuaries, free from the abuse of entertainment shows. The fact that they continue to endure this is nothing less than an archaic cruelty that must cease," Hagen stated.

Recent Incidents Highlighting the Cruelty

The dual narratives of exploitation and danger are highlighted by three elephants—Viola, Kelly, and Betty—who have faced severe challenges due to their circumstances. Viola gained notoriety for her escapes through urban Montana, where she bolted from a circus, confirming concerns about her well-being. Similarly, Kelly escaped multiple times, causing not only threats to her safety but also potential harm to those around her. Betty, on the other hand, has been forced into performing despite severe lameness and a diminished quality of life, illustrating the extent of negligence by exhibitors.

In September 2025, Carden Circus received a citation from the USDA for failing to provide adequate care for Betty, who suffers chronic pain and is in decline. Rather than allowing her retirement, the circus chose to relocate Betty to an interstate roadside zoo where she was subjected to further public exploitation in photo opportunities—highlighting the stark contrast between the claims of welfare and reality.

Public safety concerns have also arisen; in March 2021, a visitor suffered serious injuries during an 'elephant encounter' at a facility owned by Carson Barnes Circus, underscoring the risks associated with these cruel spectacles.

A Call for Change

While several states and localities have begun to prohibit the use of wild animal species in traveling exhibits, highlighting a growing advocacy against these practices, the fight is far from over. Currently, 12 states have enacted bans targeting certain wild animal species for circus performances. Hagen emphasizes the need for continued public awareness: "Attending these performances only perpetuates the cycle of exploitation. We urge everyone to rethink their entertainment choices and to stand against animal cruelty. Animals truly deserve better, and our actions can lead to crucial changes."

As society grapples with the implications of animal entertainment, it is crucial to ensure these elephants receive the care and respect they deserve. By recognizing the circumstances of these aging elephants, we can push for their retirement to genuine sanctuaries where they can live out their remaining years in peace. Ending the antiquated practices of exploiting circus animals is not just a movement; it is a moral imperative that continues to gain traction amongst advocates for animal rights.