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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. Viola and other 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, Viola and the other elephants are confined at an elephant training compound misleadingly named the “Endangered Ark Foundation” in Oklahoma.
Carson & Barnes forces elephants to perform meaningless circus tricks on the road and uses them in dangerous direct-contact encounters like bathing, feeding, and photo ops at the Endangered Ark Foundation.
Please politely urge the owners to end their cruel animal acts and send Viola and the other elephants to reputable sanctuaries.