At the end of September, CWI captured video of precious Betty being forced to perform and give rides, despite now being FIFTY-SIX years old.
Following the performance we recorded in Mississippi, Betty and Janice traveled with Carden Circus to Tennessee and then to Virginia. Both elephants performed at those shows. Then, strangely, Betty did not appear in any circus performance starting October 1. Though Janice gave rides and did tricks on her own, Betty was left in her trailer, including at their bigger shows last weekend in Nashville (thank you to Nashville Animal Advocacy for protesting!).
We are deeply concerned as to why Betty was left out of shows. Carden Circus is on a brief hiatus before they are scheduled to return to the road on November 10 in Midland, Texas.
Unfortunately, we have no way to assess Betty's condition if she is out of the public view. However, the USDA can. We have written to them requesting that they visit the Carden home property (though the government shutdown makes this unlikely). If you are in Midland, San Angelo, El Paso or New Braunfels, Texas; Lebanon, MO; or Hammond, IN, contact us to get involved!
