3/2/26 Carden elephants to Wilstem Wildlife Park
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
CWI received a tip revealing the whereabouts of elephants Betty and Janice in early January. A week later, Carden Circus began its 2026 tour schedule, and, as we shared, Betty and Janice were not included in the show.
We attempted to get a definitive answer as to the future plan for the elephants, but we were unable to verify the information. Thankfully, the 2026 Carden Circus tour continued without them. Then, just days ago, confirmation was released on social media.
Sadly, Betty and Janice have joined two other Carden-owned elephants, Cindy and Vicky, at a roadside zoo called Wilstem Wildlife Park in Indiana.
Wilstem has a history of Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations and has been noted by the USDA for numerous issues including:
Dropping a sick llama into a hole and crushing its skull with an excavator;
Running over a Watusi calf resulting in death;
Failing to provide adequate veterinary care;
and causing the death of a panicked eland.
In February 2022, Wilstem paid an $8,000 fine to the USDA for four AWA violations. As is the case with all roadside zoos, Wilstem is no place for elephants, or any animal for that matter.
All four of the Carden-owned elephants who are being used for Wilstem "experiences" are between 54 and 65 years old. They were all forced to perform in circuses for decades -- including with Ringling Bros, Garden Bros, and Carden circuses.
Elderly elephants gain nothing from being washed by tourists or asked to pose for photos. Yet that is what they are required to do and more. From the "Rise and Shine" package to the "Evening Exclusive", Carden and Wilstem take every opportunity to exploit elephants for profit.
It is completely immoral to deny the elephants their retirement. Join us in letting both Carden and Wilstem know that all four elephants have earned the right to live away from bullhooks, away from people, away from cold winters and in the peace of sanctuary.
