When the lights dim and the ringmaster steps into the spotlight, audiences are promised a magical experience. But behind the curtain and beneath the costumes lies a darker reality: a world of circus animal abuse that has persisted for centuries.
From elephants and tigers to bears and camels, animals are still being exploited for entertainment—despite the growing public demand for compassion.
Are There Still Circuses With Animals?
Yes—unfortunately, some circuses in the US continue to use animals, even as public opinion turns against the practice and major acts drop animal performances.
The good news? Circuses such as Ringling Bros. and UniverSoul have recently dropped all animal acts following years of advocacy and public pressure. This is a huge victory for animals—but others haven't followed their lead.
The following US-based circuses still exploit animals in their performances:
- Carden International Circus
- Carson & Barnes Circus*
- Franzen Bros. Circus
- Jordan World Circus
- Loomis Bros. Circus
- Tarzan Zerbini Circus
- Shrine Circuses
- Culpepper & Merriweather Circus
These acts continue to use wild and domestic animals, often subjecting them to cruel training methods and forcing them to live in unnatural, stressful conditions—all in the name of entertainment.
*Note: Carson & Barnes leases their animals to be exploited by other circuses such as Jordan World. Viola, an elephant who was leased to Jordan World Circus, escaped while the circus was in Montana in April 2024.
How Long Have Animals Been Abused in Circuses?
Circus animal cruelty isn’t new—it’s just gotten better at hiding.
Animals have been used in circuses for over 250 years. In the 18th century, traveling shows introduced wild animals as living spectacles, but these animals weren’t just displayed—they were trained to perform unnatural tricks through fear, deprivation, and violence. Unfortunately, many of these abusive practices remain in use today, just out of sight from the audience.
Whether it’s the bullhook behind the elephant’s ear or the isolation of a bear’s cage between shows, the abuse is real—and ongoing.
Elephants in Circuses: A Life of Chains and Pain
No animal suffers more visibly in the circus than the elephant. Stolen from their mothers as babies, elephants are subjected to “the crush”—a process where their spirits are broken using pain, fear, and restraint until they submit to human control.
Trainers use bullhooks, prods, and whips to force them into performing. Elephants are routinely chained for hours or even days at a time, leading to crippling arthritis, infected feet, and deep psychological trauma.
And yet, they’re made to perform tricks like standing on two legs, sitting on stools, or balancing on small platforms—behaviors that are not only unnatural, but painful.
Circus Bears: From Wild Forests to Tiny Bicycles
In their natural habitat, bears roam vast territories, forage for seasonal food, and hibernate during the winter. In the circus, they’re forced to ride bicycles, dance, and walk upright in costumes—all behaviors learned through fear-based training.
One common method of forcing bears to “dance” involves placing them on a hot metal surface while music plays, conditioning them to associate music with pain. Even when not performing, circus bears live in tiny, barren cages, deprived of stimulation and the ability to express natural behaviors.
Constant Travel, Constant Trauma
Animals abused in circuses live most of their lives in transit—confined to trailers, trucks, and temporary cages with no enrichment or comfort. They’re often denied adequate food, clean water, and medical care while being hauled from city to city for performances.
The constant travel causes both physical and emotional distress. Animals develop repetitive behaviors known as zoochosis, like pacing, swaying, or self-mutilation—clear signs of psychological breakdown.
No Education, Just Exploitation
Circus promoters often claim their shows “educate the public” about animals, but let’s be honest: watching a leopard jump through a flaming hoop teaches nothing about conservation or natural behavior.
What it really teaches is that animals exist for our amusement—a dangerous and outdated idea that perpetuates circus animal abuse.
True education happens in ethical sanctuaries, wildlife documentaries, and protected natural habitats—not in a tent filled with fear and domination.
Laws Are Changing—But Not Fast Enough
Thankfully, the tide is turning. More than 40 countries have banned wild animals in circuses, recognizing the inherent cruelty of such acts. In the United States:
- Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, and Hawaii have passed statewide bans. New York has introduced legislation that would ban the use of specific species in traveling acts.
- Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City have banned animal performances locally.
But until we pass federal protections, animals will continue to be exploited wherever loopholes exist. Previously, the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA) was introduced in Congress to address traveling shows nationwide, and hopefully will be reintroduced in the future.
What You Can Do to Help
Ending circus animal cruelty starts with us. Here’s how you can help:
- Don’t buy a ticket: If animals are performing, walk away.
- Support cruelty-free entertainment: Choose acts like Cirque du Soleil, which rely solely on talented human performers.
- Educate others: Share the truth about circus animal abuse with your friends, family, and social media followers.
- Advocate for stronger laws: Watch our webinar about supporting local legislation to protect animals.
- Donate: Help fund the lifelong care of animals rescued from circus abuse.
Bears don’t belong on bikes. Elephants don’t belong in chains. Lions don’t belong in cages. No animal was born to perform tricks for our entertainment. It’s time to choose compassion over tradition and entertainment that doesn't rely on suffering in silence.
Want to get more involved? Become an Animal Champion today!