Jordan World Lands Number Eight Spot on PETA’s List of the Worst Circuses in the U.S.

History of Hosting Exhibitors Who Have Denied Animals Fresh Water, Veterinary Care Earns Dishonor for Cruel Circus

For Immediate Release:
May 12, 2015

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Step right up, ladies and gentlemen: If you want cruelty to animals and public endangerment, PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment”—can tell you where to find it, in the form of its first-ever list of the Top Eight Worst Circuses in the U.S. Las Vegas–based Jordan World Circus—which ranks number eight on the list—is one of the only circuses left in the U.S. that still forces bears to perform, and it leases animals from outfits with long histories of abuse and neglect.

“Jordan World Circus’ history of endangering the public and confining lions and tigers for over a week at a time earns it a spot on our list,” says PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel Delcianna Winders. “PETA’s message to families is that if you care about animals or your children’s safety, you should never buy a ticket to Jordan World Circus or any other circus that uses animals.”

Jordan World Circus no longer holds an exhibitor’s license, so it contracts with exhibitors such as the notorious Carson & Barnes Circus, among others—virtually all of which have been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for animal-welfare violations, including failing to provide animals with nutritious food, clean water, shelter from the elements, and proper veterinary care. Jordan’s shows have also endangered the public: In one incident, a bear got loose from a handler’s leash and attacked another bear during a performance. When it was licensed, Jordan World Circus had an abysmal record of its own, allowing a malnourished tiger to suffer for over a month with a fractured leg and failing to provide elephants with clean water. Lions and tigers were left to languish inside cramped cages for up to 11 days without exercise.

The circuses rounding out PETA’s list include Ringling Bros., UniverSoul Circus, Carson & Barnes Circus, Cole Bros. Circus, Kelly Miller Circus, George Carden Circus International, and Shrine circuses.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.