Illinois has expanded its ban on certain animals in traveling performances, adding big cats, bears, and primates to the list of species prohibited from participating in traveling shows within the state. The legislation, signed into law June 26 by Governor JB Pritzker, aims to address animal welfare concerns related to the use of wild animals in entertainment across county fairs and circuses. The updated law took effect on Wednesday.

The Illinois Traveling Animals Act previously banned elephants in traveling acts since 2017 but did not include other wild species commonly featured in entertainment. Animal welfare advocates, including the Humane World for Animals and Lincoln Park Zoo, pushed for the expansion, citing ongoing welfare violations and the negative physical and psychological effects on animals forced to live in confined, mobile environments.

Marc Ayers, Illinois state director for Humane World for Animals, highlighted concerns after witnessing a performance known as the Banana Derby, in which two capuchin monkeys were dressed in children’s clothing and tethered to the backs of dogs racing around a show ring. Ayers and other advocates argue that these acts exploit intelligent social animals and cause them distress. Maureen Leahy, senior vice president of animal care at Lincoln Park Zoo, noted that primates, in particular, show signs of fear and discomfort during such performances.

The Banana Derby, a traveling show based in South Carolina, has operated at Illinois fairs for nearly 20 years. Owner Phil Dolci defended the act, stating that the monkeys, Gilligan and Bert, are well cared for and that the performances bring joy to families attending the fairs. Dolci criticized the broad scope of the ban and expressed concern about the impact on rural communities and traditional fair attractions, arguing that enforcement should target specific instances of mistreatment rather than ban entire species.

Some rural communities and organizers echoed these concerns. Donald McClarey, incoming president of the Dwight Rotary Club, noted the cancellation of a Culpepper & Merriweather circus show featuring big cats at the Dwight Rotary Club due to the new ban. While acknowledging past animal welfare violations by the circus, McClarey said local residents would not tolerate mistreatment and wished lawmakers had focused more narrowly on offenders rather than imposing a blanket prohibition.

Animal welfare groups pointed to repeated U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection reports documenting violations by the Banana Derby and Culpepper & Merriweather performances, including insufficient veterinary care and inadequate living conditions. Although Culpepper & Merriweather’s license was suspended for six months in 2011 following treatment lapses involving a tiger cub, the circus has since resumed performances, with recent appearances in Illinois occurring as recently as April.

State Representative Kelly Cassidy, the bill’s lead sponsor, emphasized that the legislation prioritizes animal welfare over the interests of exhibitors. She said there was minimal opposition to the bill and expressed confidence that evolving public attitudes favor the protection of wild animals from exploitation. Illinois joins California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey in restricting the use of big cats, bears, and primates in traveling entertainment acts.

Animal welfare experts also suggest that state-level bans can influence broader cultural shifts regarding exotic animals, including their use as pets. Alyssa Berman-Cutler, senior director of government affairs at Lincoln Park Zoo, referenced a recent study noting an increase in primates entering the U.S. pet trade, linking this trend in part to their portrayal in performances and attractions.

Advocates view the Illinois law as part of a larger effort to reduce the domestication and commercial use of wild animals. Berman-Cutler and Leahy recently supported the Captive Primate Safety Act—which seeks to prohibit private ownership of monkeys and apes nationwide—to complement state initiatives by addressing federal animal welfare standards.

For Dolci and other exhibitors, the ban represents a significant challenge to their operations. Dolci said he anticipated the law's passage and has not booked the Banana Derby in Illinois this year but continues touring in other states. Meanwhile, Ayers expressed hope that Illinois’ action will prompt neighboring states to adopt similar measures and end the use of wild animals in traveling entertainment.

The debate highlights a growing tension between traditional rural entertainment practices and evolving animal welfare standards, with lawmakers siding with advocates seeking to curtail what they describe as exploitative performances involving wild species.