Florida Association of Insurance Agents Bans Live Animal Displays After Hearing From PETA

For Immediate Release:
September 26, 2025

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

After PETA shared disturbing information about how wild animals used in live displays are abused and exploited, the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA) has confirmed that the use of a giraffe at its recent Orlando convention will be the last at its events—and it will prohibit the use of wild animals at all future association events. PETA is sending the FAIA vegan chocolates in thanks.

PETA first contacted the FAIA after hearing from an attendee at the Orlando convention who was concerned about the giraffe on display. PETA shared with the association’s CEO that animals rented out for events like these suffer from abusive training methods at the hands of cruel exhibitors and often develop health issues and even premature death from inadequate nutrition. Wild animals also become stressed and frightened by the loud noises, crowds, and flashing cameras at events. And when they’re not on display, animals are forced to live in deplorable conditions, travel from one event to another in extremely confined spaces, and lack the species-specific enrichment they need.

“Giraffes are thinking, feeling beings who belong with their families in nature, not used as props at events and corporate functions,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “PETA reminds everyone to always speak up when they see animals being exploited or harmed, and to urge their employers to never use live animals at events.”

In nature, giraffes roam up to 1,200 square miles every day, but those rented out for events and displays are trapped in spaces that are a fraction of the size of their natural habitats. Even well-known animal suppliers are frequently cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act, which establishes only minimal guidelines for animal care. Every year, humans who attend events or interact with captive wild animals are injured, some leading to hospitalizations and even death.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kitsfor people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.