The health conditions of Betty, now known as the most depressed elephant in the worldcontinue to get worse. For decades forced to perform in the Carden Circus in the United States, Asian female over 50 shows signs of severe physical and psychological suffering. A World elephant expert, who observed her during a performance in September 2025, called her condition “very worrying.” The problems identified months ago have not only not been treated, but have actually worsened.
Betty, the most depressed elephant in the world, is elderly, disabled, & on the brink of collapse
To call attention…
Posted by PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) on Thursday, October 2, 2025
Hurts, pain and exploitation
According to observations, Betty has deep cracks in her back nails, so extensive that they open with every step. These injuries cause them intense pain, aggravated by the weight he has to support during the shows. Despite his suffering, he still comes forced to give lifts to visitors and perform acrobatic tricks, even with six people on its back. The elephant also shows a evident lameness in the right front leg, which he holds rigid so as not to bend it, a possible sign trauma to the wrist or knee.
The impossibility of behaving like an elephant
One of the most disturbing aspects is the loss of functionality of the trunk, a fundamental organ for hygiene and communication between elephants. The expert noted that Betty he doesn’t use it to touch or scratch himself, but drags it along the ground, a completely anomalous behavior. To obey commands during the show, she is forced to lifting the entire head, a sign of motor difficulties and extreme stress.
A hostile and painful environment
In addition to physical problems, Betty lives in a acoustically unsustainable environment. During Carden Circus shows, sound levels reach at least 95 decibels, a threshold which for an elephant – equipped with ultrasensitive hearing – is equivalent to torture. The animals are separated from the public only by a thin curtain and have no shelter from deafening noise of music and applause.
An urgent appeal for freedom
Animal rights organizations ask the authorities immediately confiscate Betty and transfer her to a safe sanctuary, where he can receive care and live without exploitation. After an entire life spent between chains, tracks and pain, the saddest elephant in the world finally deserves peace and respect.
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