UN INT Intro Text w/ Responsive Image - *Important Note* You must UNLINK this shared library component before making page-specific customizations.
Carson & Barnes Circus has been cited for more than 100 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act—including for failing to provide animals with basic necessities such as adequate veterinary care, the minimum required space, shelter from the elements, and clean water. Almost all of the elephants exploited by Carson & Barnes were captured from the wild as babies and shipped to the U.S., where they have spent over 50 years in chains and performing under the threat of bullhooks—sharp, steel-tipped weapons resembling a fireplace poker. Video footage of veteran trainer Tim Frisco shows him violently striking elephants with a bullhook and shocking them with an electric prod. Every elephant used in circuses is elderly, and most appear to suffer from lameness and other mobility issues, likely caused by a lifetime of confinement and coerced performances.
The abuse doesn’t stop there. When not forced to perform uncomfortable and demeaning circus tricks, the elephants are confined at an elephant training compound and roadside zoo misleadingly named the “Endangered Ark Foundation” in Oklahoma. In March 2026, Dr. Chris Draper, an elephant expert with over 25 years of experience in animal welfare science, visited the facility. There, he observed a trainer openly and forcefully using a bullhook on an elderly elephant named Traci, who was trying to stand up to relieve herself during a public encounter. Even with the crowd watching, and despite it being obvious that Traci was trying to stand and relieve herself, the trainer continued to insist that she stay down for the bathing encounters, even if it meant lying in her own loose feces.
These animals have suffered for decades and need our help. Please politely urge the owners of Carson & Barnes to end their cruel animal acts and send the elephants to reputable sanctuaries.