On Display
Public divided on role of wild animal exhibits.
In 2018, New Jersey became the first state to ban circuses, carnivals, fairs, and other traveling acts from featuring elephants, tigers, and various exotic animals for entertainment. One week later, Hawaii followed suit and today, there are nearly 150 cities, towns, and counties across the country that have passed similar restrictions at the local level.
The changes come as public perception regarding how animals are treated in captivity—whether it be for entertainment in a circus or for education at a zoo—has shifted. A recent Monmouth University Poll found that there is public support for banning circus animals, as most people believe they are treated poorly.
Yet while the public believes animals in aquariums, zoos, safari parks, and marine parks are generally well treated, they remain divided when it comes to viewing those outlets as being for educational or entertainment purposes.
Here’s a breakdown of how the public’s concern for animal welfare is impacting their view of the organizations that exhibit wild animals.
25%
Number of respondents who have been to a circus in the past decade.
The places respondents reported visiting in that same time period…
69%
zoos
59%
aquariums
30%
marine animal parks
21%
Respondents who believe circus animals are never well treated.
31%
Percentage of respondents who think circus animals are “well treated all or most of the time.”
Better than the Bigtop
Places where respondents say animals are “well treated all or most of the time.”
73%
aquariums
66%
zoos
63%
safari parks
57%
marine animal parks
Who is More Likely to Support a Ban?
54%
Number of respondents who would favor a law prohibiting the use of wild animals in circuses.
81%
Number of respondents who believe circuses are primarily focused on entertainment versus educating the public about wildlife conservation.
Similarly, here are the percentages of participants who believe the following are focused more on entertainment than education.
marine animal parks
54%
safari parks
44%
zoos
43%
Aquariums
The public is the most equally divided on the role of aquariums.
39%
believe they primarily focus on entertainment
35%
believe they primarily focus on education
19%
believe they focus on both equally
Animal Demonstrations
Public opinion varies when it comes to deciding whether the main purpose of popular animal demonstrations is primarily about providing entertainment.
82%
Respondents who say that including wild animal acts at circuses is just about putting on a fun show.
62%
Respondents who say that dolphin and seal performances are just about putting on a fun show.
35%
Respondents who say that feeding times at zoos just about putting on a fun show.
