Elephants have swollen feet, frayed cuticles, toenail problems
Foot problems and arthritis are painful and can be fatal for elephants. But they are more common in captive elephants, who are chained and forced to perform tricks and rides.
At Circus World, Viola constantly tries to shift weight off her hind legs, which can lead to leg or joint pain, especially as she ages.
Both posterior epidermal layers of elephants are chronically frayed and inflamed. Isa has a misaligned toenail, likely due to a past infection.
Toenail injuries, abnormalities, and poor cuticle condition are signs of potentially painful foot problems.
To keep their feet healthy, elephants need to be able to roam on soft ground and swim. Chaining them on concrete – where they can barely move and can’t escape the discomfort of hard floors – is bad for their feet and joints.
However, Carson & Barnes chained Viola and Isa with their two legs in a cement cage every night at Circus World, and during the day, when they weren’t performing or riding, the geriatric elephants were often locked up. in a small barn with little to no nourishment to encourage walking and exercise.
The leash has the ability to limit their ability to lie down to reduce pressure on their legs and reduce discomfort.
There is no evidence that trainers ever noticed Isa and Viola’s foot and nail problems or took any action to address them, such as by removing the elephants from performances, or let them lie on the sand.
