In 1831, French animal trainer Henri Martin entered a cage with a tiger. It was the first time a circus performed with wild animals. Unfortunately, the idea caught on, and soon circuses everywhere showcased elephants, lions, bears, and tigers jumping through fiery hoops, riding bicycles, and standing on their hind legs wearing tutus and tiaras. For nearly two centuries, this cruel tradition of enslaving wild animals for entertainment carried on.
Starting in the 1970s, animal rights activists rose up against the cruelty and ignited a movement to halt the use of animals in circuses. By the 1990s, circus owners started seeing the writing on the wall — profits dwindled, then, in 2009, Bolivia became the first country to ban all animals from circuses. After that, more and more cities, states, and countries started banning circuses with animal acts. Today there are 51 countries, 112 U.S. jurisdictions, and 11 states with partial or complete bans on the use of wild animals. Today a growing number of circuses offer eye-popping and superbly creative non-animal-based entertainment — even one with astonishing animal holograms.
Here are our top five picks, chosen for their unique features and popularity. Be sure to check them all out and enjoy the show!
#1 Circus-Theater Roncalli
This German-based circus started phasing out animal acts in the 1990s and switched to become an entirely animal-free venue in 2018. Besides spectacular acrobatic performances, what makes this our number-one pick is Circus-Theater Roncalli’s unique and hugely popular feature, holograms. These giant life-like 3-D laser lights envelop audiences in the wonder and beauty of majestic wild animals who feel close enough to touch.
A spokesperson told In Defense of Animals, “The spots where we play are asphalted, the cities are noisy, and it is no longer contemporary to travel with animals.”
Australia is also trailblazing with this animal-free technology by opening the world’s first Hologram Zoo in Brisbane. Axiom Holographics’ animal-free zoo was named the number one new invention in 2023 by Time Magazine.
We would love to see this trend spread far and wide, making it possible for zoo and circus-goers to experience the joy and excitement of seeing wild animals, in a harm-free way.
#2 Cirque du Soleil
The world’s most famous circus was also the first one to introduce completely human-powered acts in 1984. Founded by two former street performers in Quebec, this innovative human-only circus concept has dazzled audiences ever since with its stunning and brilliant acrobatic feats and electrifying light shows. Cirque du Soleil is a magical blend of music, mind-bending performances, and spectacular stage design. A commentator on TripAdvisor said, “I can’t remember how many times I gasped in amazement!” No animals are needed to make this a show that enthralls old and young alike.
#3 Bindlestiff Family Cirkus
Based in New York City, Bindlestiff, a family-owned circus, continues the time-honored folk traditions of vaudeville, sideshow, and burlesque. Audiences delight in the array of performers, including jugglers, acrobats, contortionists, plate spinners, and sword swallowers, along with novelty music and dance. Bindlestiff Family Cirkus also supports emerging and professional variety artists and provides education and enrichment opportunities.
#4 Cirque Italia
This Italian circus travels the world showcasing amazing acrobatics and aerialists performing on a unique water stage. Cirque Italia offers an adventure like no other, and a big splash of fun for kids and adults alike.
#5 Circus Vargas
Based in San Diego, Circus Vargas features death-defying stunts, flying aerialists, showstopping acrobats, and crowd-pleasing clowns — all the thrills of a classic big-top circus, without animal cruelty. Circus Vargas transitioned to a human-only circus in 2010 and has been gaining praise and critical acclaim ever since. It was named the best circus in San Diego by SanDiego.com.
Honorable Mentions:
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey, U.S.
New Shanghai Circus, China
Florida State University Flying High Circus, U.S.
Circus Finelli, Italy
Phare Circus, Cambodia
Les Colporteurs, France
UniverSoul Circus, U.S.
Venardos Circus, U.S.
Flynn Creek Circus, U.S.
These are a few of the top-notch cruelty-free circuses from around the world. If you find one that you think is a winner, share it with us at elephants@idausa.org.
What YOU Can Do
Unfortunately, the traditional ways of brutal training, transporting, confining, and exploiting animals are not gone completely; some circuses including Carson & Barnes, Jordan, and Shriners, continue on this same outdated and inhumane path.
Please sign and share our alerts urging Congress to ban wild animals in circuses and asking Carson and Barned Circus to stop exploiting elephants!