A call to stop cruelty inherent in treatment of circus animals

An elephant escaped from Jordan World Circus on April 16, 2024, in Butte, Montana, and ran across multiple lanes of heavy traffic before being recaptured. 

Today, Laura Hagen, director of captive wildlife at the Humane Society of the United States released the following statement: 

“Viola, the elephant who escaped from Jordan World Circus, belongs to the Oklahoma-based Carson & Barnes Circus, which owns more than 20 elephants. This is the third time she has escaped the cruel and abusive captivity of the circus, endangering herself and members of the public. Her escapes have taken place in multiple states.  

In 2014, she was one of three elephants who escaped from handlers while performing in St. Charles, Missouri. The elephants ran through the parking lot and Viola sustained lacerations on both sides of her body. Another dangerous incident came in 2010, when she escaped from a traveling circus in Lynchburg, Virginia, bolting from the circus and running directly past a line of ticket buyers. Viola sustained injuries when she slid in the mud and tumbled down a hill.  

Viola, along with Carson & Barnes’ other elephants – and all elephants used in the entertainment industry - should be immediately retired to an accredited sanctuary and the US Department of Agriculture must act swiftly to enforce federal law. The cruelty and danger inherent in forcing elephants and other wild animals to spend their lives in circuses, subjected to violent training and prolonged confinement, must end. The very real danger this poses to the public and first responders underscores the urgent need for state legislators to ban the use of wild animals in traveling shows once and for all." 

If you would like more information or to speak with one of our experts at the Humane Society of the United States, please contact me at rrosensweig@humanesociety.org. 

Thank you.
Best, 

Rodi Rosensweig, Media Relations, The Humane Society of the United States