Contact PETA for documentation. Calif. One elephant stomped on a circus worker, and the other frightened citizens as she wandered through the city. The inspector also observed camels lying on the ground, extending their heads and necks out from the enclosure in an effort to graze. The bottom rails of the enclosures had sharp ends presenting a hazard to the animals when pulling their heads back into the enclosure. The elephants had a buildup of necrotic skin.
Necrotic skin occurs in captive elephants due to poor husbandry practices.
In captivity, caretakers should wash elephants daily to maintain healthy skin. The USDA cited the circus for problems with its transport trailer. The inspector also noted that Barbara, an African elephant, had dead skin on her forehead and above her eyes. Approximately 50 percent of her facial area was affected. The USDA found that the veterinary program had not been updated in more than a year .