Carden Circus Beastwagon in Town With Old, Disabled Elephant in Tow—Fuming Activists Set to Protest

For Immediate Release:
January 14, 2026

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Flint, Mich. –

On Friday, PETA’s 20-foot-tall “crying elephant” surrounded by animal advocates will rally outside the Carden Circus in Flint with a giant banner proclaiming, “Free Betty,” as they call for the release of “The Most Depressed Elephant in the World,” an elephant who is 57 years old and who shuffles slowly on her stiff front legs that hurt to bend, drags her trunk on the ground due to apparent paralysis—likely due to being forced to stand on her head and put several tons of weight on her trunk for decades—among myriad other ailments.

Betty has spent nearly four decades in chains under the notorious Carden family, and, according to an elephant expert, is in danger of a fatal collapse if she’s not immediately released to a reputable sanctuary. PETA supporters will also pass out “I Spy” checklists to kids and their families to help them spot signs of Betty’s suffering.

“Betty has suffered as a circus prop for more than fifty years, and if she is not sent to a sanctuary where she would finally get the care she needs, she may not make it to her next birthday,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is urging everyone to stay away from Carden’s cruel circus and calling on federal officials to remove Betty before it’s too late.”

Where: Dort Financial Center, 3501 Lapeer Rd. (at the intersection with Valley Lane), Flint

When: Friday, January 16, at 6 p.m.

At a circus performance in September, Betty was forced to give rides while a handler next to her held a bullhook—a sharp, steel-tipped weapon used to instill fear in elephants and force them to obey commands. Credit: PETA

Why: In nature, elephants enjoy playing with their families, foraging for fresh vegetation, and bathing in rivers. Those used in Carden circuses are beaten, whipped, caged, chained, and forced to perform even when they’re sick, elderly, or injured like Betty, who appears withdrawn, unresponsive, and physically subdued, frequently standing still with her eyes closed and her trunk on the ground.

PETA encourages everyone to urge the Carden Circus to go animal-free and let Betty and all the animals live in peace.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.