Captive Animals

Circus Animal Welfare: The Case for Phasing Out Wild Animals

Wild animals in circuses face transport stress, barren temporary housing, and coercive training; most countries are phasing out their use.

Key Facts

Welfare Considerations

Wild animals in circuses endure chronic welfare compromise through frequent transport, barren temporary housing, unnatural performance demands, and historically coercive training. Circus environments cannot meet the behavioral needs of elephants, big cats, bears, and other wild species. Legislation banning wild animal use has been passed in the UK, Ireland, and many other countries with strong public support.

What You Can Do