Letter to the Editor: Upcoming circus mistreats animals

Dear Editor,

I am disappointed to learn that Jordan World Circus is scheduled to visit Rock Springs on June 25 given its history of recurrent violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

The USDA has cited Jordan World Circus numerous times for providing inadequate, unsafe enclosures and depriving animals of proper veterinary care, nutritious food, clean water, and shelter from the elements.

Despite prior violations, Jordan World Circus continues to hire outside exhibitors to feature potentially dangerous large, wild animals such as elephants, camels, and bison, putting the public at risk.

These traveling circuses subject animals to extreme confinement, constant travel, and harsh training methods. Despite claims of using positive reinforcement, trainers frequently use tools like bullhooks, whips, and electrical shock prods to coerce the animals into performing. This can cause physical and psychological strain, leading to animals breaking free during performances, endangering spectators.

Here are some instances of animal mishandling at Jordan World Circus:

On April 16, 2024, Viola, the elephant leased from Carson & Barnes to perform with Jordan World Circus, escaped in Butte, Montana. She wandered through the city and traffic on a busy road before being recaptured.

On January 25, 2022, USDA cited Jordan World Circus’s frequent tiger exhibitor, Adam Burck, for tiger enclosure maintenance issues, creating a potential risk for a tiger to escape.

On July 29, 2010, British Columbia, Canada, denied Jordan Circus a permit to transport and display wild animals due to a lack of a public safety plan for elephants.

On July 11, 2010, a bear got loose from a handler’s leash during Jordan’s show in Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan, Canada, and attacked another bear.

On March 10, 2007, USDA cited Jordan World Circus exhibitor Steeples Bears for unsafe handling of a black bear during a public photo shoot.

These traveling animal circuses profit from animal exploitation. I urge our city leaders and circus sponsors to prioritize public safety over the financial gain from these events. I encourage readers to boycott Jordan World Circus and similar traveling circuses. Instead, support animal-free circuses to promote a culture of respect, compassion, and empathy towards animals.

Madhu Anderson

Rock Springs