HUGE Win! Illinois Expands Historic Ban on Traveling Elephant Acts to Include Bears, Big Cats, and Primates
In 2017, Illinois became the first state in the nation to ban traveling elephant acts. It was an unprecedented step that recognized these animals as the emotional, sensitive individuals they are—not circus props for human entertainment.
Now, the Prairie State has taken another powerful step forward. In 2026, Illinois expanded its historic elephant‑protection law to include big cats, monkeys and other primates, and bears, effectively shutting down even more abusive traveling acts that rely on confinement, fear, and violent training methods.
Signed by Gov. JB Pritzker, the updated law bans the use of these animals in any traveling performance, including circuses, fairs, and mobile exhibits.
What This Law Means
Traveling shows are hell for animals. Operators haul them from city to city, confine them in cramped trailers or cages, keep them in chains, and make them do confusing, unnatural, and pointless tricks under the constant threat of punishment.
Trainers control elephants with steel-tipped weapons called bullhooks, jabbing and prodding them into submission while forcing them to give rides, balance on stools, or perform other stunts they would never do in nature. They ruthlessly whip tigers and lions to make them jump through hoops of fire. They routinely chain bears up and make them stand on their hind legs for long periods of time, causing them pain and distress. They deprive highly social, intelligent primates of the relationships that define their lives. Multiple exhibitors—including Philip Dolci, operator of the Banana Derby—tether monkeys to the backs of dogs and then make the dogs run full speed.
Humans often tear these animals from their mothers as babies, breaking their most important bonds and their spirits. This early trauma makes them easier to dominate and ensures they grow up knowing only fear, isolation, and obedience.
Illinois’ expanded law means that traveling shows can no longer bring this cruelty into the state.
Illinois Led in 2017—and a Wave of Change Followed
Illinois’ 2017 ban on traveling elephant acts didn’t just protect elephants within the state. It set an example for the rest of the country. Since then, Jordan World Circus and Hadi Shrine Circus have both dropped elephant acts. And thanks to PETA’s persistent efforts, few exhibitors still exploit elephants—and the ones who are left, like Brian Franzen, are still our targets.
The state’s new protections send a clear message: The public is rejecting cruelty, and the pressure to end animal acts everywhere is only growing.
Now, Help Us Take Down Animal Exploiters
Even with these promising changes in Illinois, exploitative traveling shows haven’t disappeared. Camels and other animals can still be forced to perform, and outside Illinois, many circuses and roadside acts continue to drag wild animals across the country, confine them, and deprive them of everything natural and important to them.
Illinois has made major progress, but our work isn’t over. Let’s help shut down the remaining traveling acts, protect the animals still suffering in them, and push other states to follow Illinois’ lead.
