Compassion Works International recently filed a complaint with the United States Department of Agriculture after inspection reports confirmed that Carden International Circus was cited for inadequate medical care and ongoing lameness in Betty, a 56-year-old elephant. According to the report, allowing members of the public to ride her may be contributing to additional pain, stress, and long-term harm.
Betty, known as the most depressed elephant in the world, is easily identifiable due to dragging her trunk and using it for stability.

The St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus, which rents animals from Carden International Circus for its performances in Minnesota, has been notified about Betty’s deteriorating condition. Continuing to rely on animals from traveling circuses links the event to an industry that has faced increasing scrutiny over animal welfare.

Notably, the St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus did not take place this year because the MN State Fair coliseum, which it typically uses, was under construction. If the circus returns in 2027, organizers have an opportunity to make a positive change by committing to an animal-free circus.

We urge the St. Paul Osman Shrine Circus to reconsider its reliance on animals and transition to a modern, animal-free event. Many circuses around the world have successfully made this shift, focusing on human performers and creative acts that entertain audiences without involving animal suffering.

Choosing to return in 2027 as an animal-free circus would demonstrate leadership, compassion, and responsiveness to growing public concern about the treatment of animals in traveling shows.