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Going to the circus should NOT be an elderly elephant exploitation event. Elephants and other animals need your help!
Carson & Barnes Circus has been cited for nearly 150 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act—including for failing to provide animals with proper veterinary care, enough space, 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’ve spent 50+ years in chains and performing under the threat of sharp weapons called bullhooks. A vid of veteran trainer Tim Frisco shows him hitting elephants with a bullhook and shocking them with an electric prod.
Every elephant used in circuses is elderly, and most seem to suffer from movement issues, likely caused by a lifetime of confinement and forced performances.
The abuse doesn’t stop there. When not performing uncomfortable circus tricks, the elephants are confined at an elephant training compound and roadside zoo in Oklahoma called the “Endangered Ark Foundation.”
In March 2026, an elephant expert visited the facility. There, he saw a trainer using a bullhook on an elderly elephant named Traci, who was trying to stand up to go to the bathroom during a public encounter. Even with the crowd watching, the trainer made her stay down for the bathing encounters, even if it meant lying in her own poop.
Please politely urge Carson & Barnes Circus to end its cruel animal acts and send the elephants to reputable sanctuaries!