Keep Wild Animal Acts Off the Road in Florida

Animal Defenders International (ADI) is warning the public about animal suffering in circuses and calling on venues not to host acts involving wild and exotic animals. As restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 slowly ease, circus trucks with caged tigers, lions, bears, and elephants in chains have started to roll into towns and cities in Florida. Garden Bros kicked off their tour November 5th in Tampa and has 53 shows scheduled this month, 45 of which are in Florida, while American Fun Circus continues performing throughout the state.

ADI President Jan Creamer said: “Animals in circuses suffer a life of deprivation, confinement and abuse – animals perform out of fear, they are not having fun. Wild animals are denied all that is natural to them, no freedom of movement, nothing of interest to engage their intelligent minds. Unlike them, venues get to choose whether the show and the suffering goes on – and we urge them not to host animal acts.”

Studies of the use of wild animals in traveling circuses show that circuses cannot meet the physical or behavioral needs of wild animals. Animals are confined in small spaces, deprived of physical and social needs, spending excessive amounts of time shut in transporters. These animals are often seen behaving abnormally – rocking, swaying, and pacing, all indicating that they are in distress and not coping with their environment. ADI’s video evidence has shown how these animals are forced to perform tricks through physical violence, fear, and intimidation.

Florida veterinarian Betsy R. Coville MS, DVM said: “The circus is coming to town – bringing with them USDA convictions of animal abuse. The Garden Bros, has been cited for cruelty to animals, failing to provide: veterinary care, nutritional needs, sanitary conditions and unsafe transport. The knowledge and compassion we have gained regarding animals no longer allows us to feel comfortable knowing the “tricks” are performed from fear and violence.

"Wild animals are not meant to travel confined, deprived of physical and social needs and days trapped in trailers. Watching the suffering of animals is not entertaining OR educational – it is animal abuse clear and simple. The circus sneaks in and out of towns, keeping a low profile, gone are the welcoming crowds, replaced by the rejection of protesters. For the same reasons Ringling ended its circus, it is time for all animal circuses to be in our past.”

When the circus is off the road, the animals are no better off. ADI investigations have revealed that, even when circuses are not touring, animal trailers are generally parked with the animals inside and elephants, camels, and zebras warehoused in barns.

With an opportunity to help stop circus suffering in the state, ADI is calling on Floridian venues to adopt a ‘no wild/exotic animals’ policy for their events.

Members of the public can support ADI’s call and reach out to venues here.

In the United States, 102 jurisdictions in 33 states have taken action to restrict wild/exotic animals from traveling circuses; Hawaii, New Jersey, and California have statewide bans. The Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA; HR2863/S2121), a federal bill to ban wild/exotic animal acts nationwide, is gaining support in the House and Senate.