Raeford Circus Horror: Elderly, Disabled Elephant in Danger of Collapse, PETA Protest Planned
For Immediate Release:
October 30, 2025
Contact:
Sara Groves 202-483-7382
Friday, PETA supporters will gather outside the Royal Hanneford Circus in Raeford with a 20-foot-tall “crying elephant” to protest the appearance of 56-year-old Betty—the elderly, disabled, and most depressed elephant in the world, who continues to be forced to perform in circuses despite her body and spirit deteriorating.
An elephant expert who recently examined Betty reports that, after more than five decades of being forced to perform in circuses, she is often seen standing motionless with her eyes closed, dragging her partially paralyzed trunk along the ground, and struggling to bend her front legs because of chronic pain. The expert warns that she faces a fatal collapse if not immediately retired to a reputable sanctuary.
“For more than 50 years, Betty has lived in chains and servitude while people her age have built families, friends, and full lives,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is urging everyone to stay away from cruel circuses that still use animals and is calling on federal officials and local authorities to remove Betty before it’s too late.”
PETA notes that Betty’s apparent partial trunk paralysis may stem from being forced to stand on her head—putting her several tons of weight on her trunk—in hundreds of shows a year for decades.
Where: Hoke County Fairgrounds, 2950 Lindsay Rd. #5910, Raeford
When: Friday, October 31, 6 p.m.
Interviews will be available on-site and remotely.
Why: In nature, elephants live in herds, forage for fresh vegetation, and bathe in rivers. Those used in circuses are beaten, whipped, caged, chained, and forced to perform even when they’re sick, elderly, or injured, like Betty.
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.
