We might like to think the wild animals featured in a circus, movie, TV show or commercial are enjoying themselves. But behind the scenes, the methods used to train these animals are often abusive, and they may be chained or confined for hours on end.
No matter what kind—elephants, lions, tigers or bears—the needs of wild animals can’t be met in traveling shows. And there’s always risk: If an animal tries to escape or lash out, it can be deadly for the trainer, the audience, and the animal.
Once these animals become too dangerous or old to perform, there may be no safe refuge for them.
With so many better choices in entertainment, there's no need to use wild animals. If you see a captive animal being treated cruelly, speak up. You can also support stronger laws to protect wild animals. And use your pocketbook to advocate for alternatives such as animatronics in films and animal-free circuses.
Behind the Big Top
The greatest show on earth means pain and suffering for its four-legged performers.
Learn MoreNews & Events
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March 16, 2010
Hollywood Office "ACE's" Set of Animal Films
Documentaries focusing on animal welfare issues such as exotic pet ownership have gained widespread recognition this year, thanks in part to The HSUS's Animal Content in Entertainment (ACE) program.
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February 24, 2010
SeaWorld Whale Involved in Death of a 3rd Person
Naomi Rose, marine mammal scientist with The HSUS, made a statement in response to the death of a trainer drowned by an orca at SeaWorld in Orlando, Fla.
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February 10, 2010
Volunteer at a Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Volunteer on or off-site at a sanctuary for chimpanzees who have spent time in laboratories, as pets or in the entertainment industry.
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October 9, 2009
Focus Your Lens on Animal Issues
HSUS's Animal Contentent in Entertainment (ACE) program supports animal protection issues in entertainment media.
Our Victories
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December 29, 2009
2009: A Banner Year for Animals
The HSUS reflects on some major achievements for animal protection in 2009. Countless animals have been rescued from harm, spared from suffering and guaranteed basic standards of humane treatment.
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November 13, 2009
La Jolla Seals Decision
The HSUS heralds the ruling by Judge Timothy Taylor of the Superior Court of California in San Diego to allow harbor seals to continue living at Casa Beach in La Jolla. In his ruling, Judge Taylor vacated two previous judicial orders that would have required the City of San Diego to disperse the seals and to dredge the beach to ensure the seals did not return.
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June 29, 2009
Settlement Restores Endangered Species Act Protections To Great Lakes Wolves
A coalition of wolf advocates led by The HSUS has reached a settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to restore federal Endangered Species Act protections for wolves in the Great Lakes region.
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June 22, 2009
Federal Court Blocks Captive Hunting of Endangered Species
The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia struck down a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service rule allowing captive hunting of endangered antelopes.