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Even though prominent circuses have made the successful switch to featuring only willing human performers in their acts in recent years, Jordan World Circus continues to exploit elephants like Viola. Over five decades ago, Viola was kidnapped from her wild home and family and has spent nearly her entire life performing in circuses under threat of punishment. Jordan World Circus, which produces many Shrine circuses across the country, continues to work with notorious animal exhibitors who use intimidating and often violent methods to force animals to perform confusing tricks.
The Carson & Barnes Circus has supplied elephants to Jordan World Circus in recent years, despite its history of animal welfare issues. Video footage shows a Carson & Barnes trainer cursing and yelling at elephants outside a Jordan World Circus show. A PETA investigation found that Viola and another elderly elephant named Isa, who are both used by Jordan World Circus, showed signs of painful foot and joint problems, which are among the leading reasons captive elephants are euthanized. Jordan World Circus forces Viola and other elephants to perform and give rides day in and day out. In 2025 alone, Viola was forced to perform in nearly 200 shows.
It’s little wonder that Viola has attempted to flee the circus at least four times, most recently in 2024 when Jordan World Circus was performing in Montana. It is past time that the owners of the circus allow Viola and other elephants a retirement where they could finally get the rest and care they need.
Please e-mail the circus’s owners, Jody and Melanie Jordan, and politely ask that they end the cruel animal acts and focus on the talents of willing human performers instead.