Viola is not just a performer. She is a 56-year-old elephant who, according to animal welfare advocates, has spent most of her life in chains, transported from show to show, and made to perform despite reported chronic health issues. PETA’s recent report describes an animal who has tried again and again to get away — an elephant so distressed that she once ran through city streets in panic.

Whether you attend the circus for tradition, family fun, or community pride, most of us can agree on one thing: no animal should suffer for entertainment. Elephants are intelligent, social beings who, in nature, live in close family groups and roam for miles each day. Forcing them into loud arenas, bright lights, and constant travel is cruel.

We are calling on the leadership of the Akdar Shrine Temple, including its Potentate and circus organizers, as well as the Tulsa Expo Square management and Tulsa County Public Facilities Authority, to take immediate action.

Retire Viola to a reputable sanctuary where she can receive specialized care and live free from performance demands. Commit to transitioning the Akdar Shrine Circus to an animal-free model that showcases human talent, artistry, and community spirit—without the use of wild animals.

Across the country, many circuses have already gone animal-free, proving that family entertainment can thrive without risking animal welfare or public safety. Tulsa can be part of that positive change.

Viola has reportedly spent a lifetime trying to get away. It’s time to listen.