Illinois Bill Would Broaden Traveling Animal Act Ban

Illinois lawmakers have approved a bill intended to broadly expand protections for wild animals by extending the state’s ban on using them in traveling shows. Governor JB Pritzker must now decide whether to sign it into law.

If signed, Illinois House Bill 4255 would expand Illinois’ ban on elephants in traveling acts to also cover cougars, jaguars, lions, tigers, primates, bears, hybrids of these species, and most leopards. Amur leopards are excluded from the leopard category.

The legislation, passed by both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly, would take effect on July 1, 2026. The bill applies to the listed animals when they are used in traveling performances, including shows that move animals between locations in mobile or temporary housing. Restrictions would apply to circuses, fairs, animal acts, rides, trade shows, petting zoos, carnivals, parades, races, public displays, and similar events where those animals are transported between locations.

Bears are among the wild animals Illinois House Bill 4255 would add to the state’s ban on traveling animal acts. Animal welfare advocates say bears used in traveling shows can face confinement, stressful transport, and forced performances. Photo credit: David Tadevosian via Shutterstock.

State Senator Linda Holmes said the bill builds on legislation she passed in 2017 to ban elephants in circuses and other traveling exhibitions that cannot provide adequate living conditions. Holmes said animals in these shows spend most of their lives in cramped, filthy cages under severe and chronic stress.

Life on the road for these animals involves repeated loading and unloading, exposure to loud crowds and unfamiliar environments, public handling, and extended confinement in cages, trailers, or temporary housing.

Lincoln Park Zoo, a supporter of the bill, states that research shows traveling acts often keep animals in conditions that do not meet basic welfare standards. The zoo also warns that exhibiting wild animals for entertainment can increase demand for them as pets, posing risks to people and contributing to wildlife trafficking.

The bill targets traveling shows, not permanent facilities. Zoos and other USDA-licensed facilities could still exhibit animals on site.