7/28/26 - CWI Urges Kerbela Shrine to End Elephant Acts at Future Circuses

CompassionWorks International has launched a new campaign urging Kerbela Shrine to commit that it will never again host a circus featuring elephants.

Kerbela Shrine is scheduled to host Hamid Circus from August 7–9, with elephants advertised as part of the performances. At previous Shrine circus engagements, Hamid Circus has used Carson & Barnes elderly elephants Kelly (56) and Isla (58). While CWI will not be able to confirm which elephants are appearing at this year’s event until the circus begins, no elephant belongs on the road, traveling from venue to venue and performing for audiences.

Earlier this year, Carson & Barnes elephants Viola and Isa were removed from Jordan World Circus performances. CWI is asking Kerbela Shrine to continue that momentum by committing that this will be its final circus featuring elephants.

Elephants are intelligent, highly social animals whose physical and emotional needs cannot be met through a life of travel and performance. They need space, autonomy, stable social relationships, and the ability to make meaningful choices about how they spend their lives.

Across the country and around the world, circuses and community organizations have moved away from elephant acts. Kerbela Shrine can continue hosting its event while ensuring that no future circus uses animal abuse as a fundraising strategy.

Please join us in urging Kerbela Shrine to make all future Shrine circuses elephant-free. Learn more about Shrine circuses.

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