Target: Martin Makary, Commissioner of the FDA
Goal: Stop the use of elephants in entertainment and ensure the immediate release of Viola, who has suffered for decades in a traveling circus.
For over five decades, Viola the elephant has endured a life of confinement after being taken from her natural habitat as an infant. She is forced to perform physically demanding tricks while suffering from painful conditions like swollen feet and joint disease, as reported by a 2021 PETA investigation. These troubling circumstances raise serious ethical questions about the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment purposes.
Allegations detail that Viola has attempted to escape her captivity multiple times, indicating her desperate need for freedom. During these escapes, including an incident in April 2024, she reportedly sustained injuries while trying to flee the Moolah Shrine Circus in Missouri. Despite having been removed from some shows, her current performances with the Jordan World Circus should not be tolerated.
The ongoing use of elephants in circuses is not only cruel but also detrimental to their health and well-being, as evidenced by Viola’s condition. Immediate action is necessary to prevent further suffering of this majestic animal and to pave the way for the protection of others like her. The demand is clear: end the exploitation of elephants in entertainment and ensure their rightful freedom.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Commissioner Makary,
Viola, an elephant who has been subjected to a life of chains and servitude for over five decades, deserves immediate intervention. Reports indicating her physical suffering, including swollen feet and signs of joint disease, raise alarming concerns about the treatment of elephants in circuses, particularly those associated with the Jordan World Circus and Carson & Barnes Circus.
Allegedly, Viola has made several attempts to escape her situation, at times injuring herself in the process. These desperate acts appear to show not only her instinct for self-preservation but also the cruelty of her current circumstances. It is imperative that action is taken to end her exploitation and facilitate her return to a life of freedom and care.
We respectfully demand that you take immediate action to stop the use of elephants in entertainment and prioritize the well-being of animals like Viola. The community looks to you for leadership in protecting animals from continued exploitation and harm.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
