The UK banned wild animal acts in travelling circuses in 2019. Monitoring the welfare of formerly performing animals in retirement or export is an important post-ban welfare responsibility.
Post-ban circus animal welfare requires ongoing monitoring of where animals went and how they are faring. Tigers and other exotic animals relocated to third countries may face worse welfare than they experienced under UK regulation. Animals retired to sanctuaries require species-appropriate social groupings and enrichment that differs markedly from performance routines. The ban represents a welfare success but its full benefit depends on ensuring former performers end in appropriate lifelong care. Domestic animal performances, still permitted, involve animals trained for shows - these welfare implications deserve ongoing scrutiny.