Save Viola! Tell Venues Not to Host the Cruel Circus Act That Keeps Her on the Road

Over five decades ago, a baby elephant was captured from her wild home and family and shipped to the U.S., where she was sold into the circus industry and sentenced to a lifetime of suffering. Today, that elephant, now named Viola, is still being trucked across the country and forced to perform in circuses. Like other elderly elephants used in circuses, Viola shows signs of chronic joint and mobility issues, and soon it may be too late to help her. For decades, she has repeated the routine of unloading from the trailer in a strange city, carrying heavy loads of people on her back in small circles, performing meaningless and confusing tricks, and then loading back into the trailer to depart for the next city.

In 2025 alone, Viola was forced to perform in nearly 200 shows across 16 states with the Jordan World Circus and other circuses. Viola’s exploiters have lined their pockets at her expense for decades. It is long past time for her to be retired to an accredited facility where she can finally get the chance to receive the care she needs.

We are suspending our campaign against Jordan World Circus, as the circus’s ticketing provider has stated that Viola and other elephants will not be forced to perform in its shows for the rest of the year. PETA will closely monitor the circus to ensure elephants do not return to the lineup, and we will continue pressing for Viola’s retirement to a true sanctuary.

Please join us in urging Carson & Barnes to stop leasing Viola to other circuses and to send her and other elephants to reputable sanctuaries: