BARABOO, Wis. — This is the last summer you can watch elephants at Circus World in Baraboo. They will retire after the final performance on Aug. 27.
The animals have been part of the show since the 1800s, after the Ringling Brothers first settled in Baraboo.
It’s bittersweet for Armando Loyal, who’s been performing alongside elephants, Viola and Kelly, for years. He’s also their primary caregiver.
Loyal has a strong connection to them. He grew up in a family of circus performers and developed a love for elephants early on.
“I just have a passion for them,” Loyal said. “You learn stuff with them every day, and you build a bond being with them that’s indescribable, almost.”
The decision to stop including elephants in the Circus World show after this summer season was made five years ago.
Elephants stopped performing in traveling circuses nationwide in 2016 over concerns about their ethical treatment.
The director of Circus World, Scott O’Donnell, said retiring Viola and Kelly is a health decision. Both are nearing 50 years old.
“The best of welfare has always gone into every decision we make with the animals in our care,” O’Donnell said. “We’ve always encouraged our guests and continue to, to come judge with your own eyes and your own heart, rather than something you might have read online.”
Circus World only has shows in the summer. Viola and Kelly have been spending the rest of the year at a ranch in Oklahoma that specializes in the care of former circus animals. They will move to that ranch and live there full time.
“Biology affects and guides that decision,” O’Donnell said. “There’s no next generation of circus elephants in North America. There are some younger elephants in zoos across North America, but not in any circuses.”
The elephants are not moving to Oklahoma alone. Loyal will go with them. They’re using these last few weeks to say goodbye to Baraboo.
“I’m looking forward to seeing a lot of people come out and enjoy them,” he said.
Circus World performances take place at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. every day until Aug. 27.