Nosey the elephant has been held alone for nearly three decades, forced into a solitary life that goes against the highly social nature of her species.

[ Vet Report #1 ] [ Vet Report #2 ] Captive elephants often have chronic health problems, including but not limited to degenerative joint disease, diarrhea and unmanaged hyperkeratosis (abnormal thickening of the skin).  Many live in physical and psychological pain for many years without treatment or care.

Many circus elephants spend their time confined in small, inappropriate trailers, crated from one venue to the next with little relief or exercise.

Many circus elephants shows signs of excessive use of chains in their calloused skin and scarring on the lower legs. This practice limits their abilities to properly exercise joints. It also indicates lack of attention on the part of their owners.

The “free contact” management practiced by by most circus and zoo elephant handlers requires constant use of the bullhook. Such practices are considered outdated and abusive by many experts in elephant management.

Circus and zoo elephants exhibit stiffness in their joints, indicating arthritis that was likely brought on by their confined lifestyle.

[ What’s wrong with rides? ] Despite her obvious health ailments, Nosey is forced to give rides to adults and children in between performances. This is painful for her and risky for the public.

Much of Nosey’s life has been spent performing in circuses across the United States. On top of elephant rides and confined living spaces, this can cause further stress to her health and psychological well-being.

In addition to the constant threat of the bullhook, Nosey the elephant has suffered physical abuse at the hands of her owners, witnessed and cited over the years by citizens and authorities alike.

Nosey’s diet was questionable. In one documented case, a citizen was told that Nosey was given soda rather than water—because she preferred it more. In Culman, Alabama a witness reported Hugo Liebel asking for hay from customers because he could not afford to feed her. After arrival at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, Nosey was documented as having an empty stomach.

Nosey the elephant is exposed to extreme temperatures while on the road, traveling and performing through locations such as Texas during the summer months and upstate New York in early spring.

[ Read the USDA Report ] Nosey’s owner has been cited by the USDA for numerous and repeated violations to the Animal Welfare Act.