Following sustained pressure from PETA over forcing wild animals into stressful public interactions, Ethel-based roadside zoo Magnolia Wilds has announced that, under new management, it will end its exploitative animal encounters and rebrand as Sanctuary Hill. Roadside zoos run by scofflaw exhibitors pose serious dangers to animals and the public, and PETA welcomes Magnolia Wilds’ … Read more »
Following more than a decade of legal advocacy work by PETA exposing the horrific conditions at the Kirshner Wildlife Foundation, four tigers once confined at what we called “The Worst Roadside Zoo in America” have finally been rescued. After Kirshner was forced by California regulators to shut down, the tigers were shuffled to a sham … Read more »
After hearing from PETA supporters and animal defenders from across the state of Illinois, the governor signed a bill to ban the use of big cats, primates, and bears in circuses and traveling acts, building on an existing law that prohibits traveling elephant acts. Traveling exhibitors force wild animals to perform for human entertainment under … Read more »
After hearing from PETA about the suffering endured by dolphins exploited for “swim with” attractions, Aulani—a Disney Resort & Spa in Hawaii—and Hawks Cay Resort in Florida, have both confirmed that they no longer offer the harmful encounters. Dolphins used for encounters are unable to swim long distances or escape conflicts from other frustrated animals, … Read more »
Following over 600,000 messages sent by PETA supporters, dozens of demonstrations at venues hosting the circus, and a barrage of public support for Viola the elephant, Jordan World Circus stopped using elephants. Jordan World had been using elephants supplied by Carson & Barnes Circus, including Viola, who has been hauled across the country in circus … Read more »
After years of reporting West Coast Game Park to federal authorities who failed to take action for egregious animal welfare violations, PETA supplied evidence of clear neglect to the Oregon State Police, which executed search warrants in May 2025 and confiscated all 322 animals who were suffering there. Law enforcement officials pressed criminal charges against … Read more »
Natural Bridge Zoo owner Gretchen Mogensen, former owners Debbie and Karl Mogensen, the roadside zoo’s former veterinarian, and its former elephant trainer were indicted by a Virginia grand jury on 55 criminal counts of torturing, overdriving, or cruelty to animals and 8 felony counts of forgery of a public record. The indictments follow the Virginia … Read more »
More than 150 dogs have died in the Iditarod, including Ventana, who was raced to death while pregnant last year. After learning about this cruelty, Snowy River Equipment Sales, a now-former sponsor of Seeing Double Sled Dog Racing—a kennel owned by Iditarod mushers Anna and Kristy Berington—has committed to not supporting the dogsledding industry in … Read more »
After two years of incessant pushing by PETA, and reams of evidence of jockey Jose Nicasio riding at deadly unregulated California racetracks, the California Horse Racing Board suspended Nicasio’s license and banned him from ever reapplying. This sent a clear message to jockeys, trainers, and owners that participating in bush track races, where horses are … Read more »
The USDA suspended the license of Canton Grand Safari, a roadside zoo in Texas, following multiple complaints from PETA, which included eyewitness reports and social media videos revealing that the roadside zoo was allowing dangerous hands-on interactions with young monkeys.
PETA learned that notorious animal exhibitor, Trunks and Humps, supplied animals for a Christmas event at a church in Texas, resulting in a camel kicking an audience member in the head, apparently knocking her unconscious. After PETA filed a complaint with the USDA alerting it to this incident, the agency issued Trunks and Humps a … Read more »
After hearing from PETA that dogs forced to give tourists sled rides spend the majority of their lives isolated and chained outside in all weather extremes, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours removed dogsledding excursions from its website! The company also confirmed that it does not offer captive “swim with dolphins” encounters in which many dolphins … Read more »
After hearing from several whistleblowers about the horrendous conditions at the Holtsville Ecology Site, PETA and Humane Long Island worked to convince town officials to close this roadside zoo. PETA sent a mobile billboard, and Humane Long Island led on-the-ground efforts to protest the site and speak up in town meetings. Town officials finally made … Read more »
The USDA cited the Carden Circus for failing to provide adequate veterinary care to 57-year-old Betty— known as the “Most Depressed Elephant in the World”—and for forcing her to give rides despite obvious pain and lameness. The citations, which followed a PETA complaint, documented circus owner Brett Carden acknowledging that Betty suffers from lameness and … Read more »
After hearing from PETA, the Florida Association of Insurance Agents (FAIA)—whose membership includes nearly 20,000 insurance professionals—has banned live-animal displays at its events, except for compassionate adoption events. The move comes after a FAIA trade show in 2025 featured a live giraffe. Animal-free events are safer for everyone and don’t support cruel suppliers that confine … Read more »
