Illinois Expands Ban on Traveling Animal Acts

Marc Ayers, the Illinois state director for Humane World for Animals, attended the Sangamon County Fair aiming to end the return of the Banana Derby. This attraction involves capuchin monkeys, such as Gilligan and Bert, tethered to racing dogs. Ayers described the distress of the animals, noting their unnatural situation and attempts to escape during the show.

Ayers vowed to prevent the Banana Derby from returning to Illinois. The attraction has run at fairs for nearly two decades, but changes in state law are putting an end to this. On June 26, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation expanding the Traveling Animals Act. This expansion now bans big cats, bears, and primates from such acts, complementing the existing ban on elephants. A spokesperson from the governor’s office stated that the new law promotes dignified care for wild animals.

While some view the legislation as too broad, others argue that it targets necessary reform. Phil Dolci, owner of the Banana Derby, insists the monkeys are well-cared for and bring joy to audiences, yet animal welfare advocates see it differently. Alyssa Berman-Cutler from Lincoln Park Zoo emphasized the evolved understanding of animal welfare, advocating for celebrations that respect animal rights.

State Representative Kelly Cassidy, a strong advocate for the bill, stressed the importance of protecting animal welfare over the interests of exhibitors. The original Traveling Animals Act of 2017 placed Illinois at the forefront of such legislation, banning elephants in traveling acts. Since then, other states have followed suit.

Advocates argue that animals like primates, bears, and big cats suffer under continuous travel and performance schedules, lacking proper care and habitats. Maureen Leahy of Lincoln Park Zoo highlighted the psychological effects on these captive animals, citing the distressing expressions of the Banana Derby monkeys.

The push for expanded regulation involved support from groups like the Humane World for Animals. They documented years of animal welfare violations among traveling acts, prompting the call for broader bans. The Banana Derby and other acts have faced USDA inspections for issues like inadequate space and improper transport.

In Illinois, both the Banana Derby and Culpepper & Merriweather Circus encountered scrutiny. While the latter had its license suspended previously, the Banana Derby faced citations for similar infractions. Enforcement of regulations is challenging due to the mobile nature of these acts.

The legislation faced minimal opposition, as animal welfare concerns gained bipartisan support. Illinois joins several states in banning specified animals from traveling acts. Berman-Cutler noted that these limitations could change public perceptions of exotic animals as pets.

Dolci refrained from booking the Banana Derby in Illinois, anticipating legislative changes. He criticized the push from ‘radical actors’ and lamented the diminished exposure of children to such attractions. Despite addressing USDA findings, Dolci questioned the fairness of the ban.

Animal welfare experts remain firm, emphasizing the importance of social connections for species like monkeys. They point to examples of stress in former animal actors, underscoring the impact of such performances.

The Banana Derby continues its tour in other states. Ayers believes Illinois’ decision could influence neighboring states to follow suit by halting these types of events. Advocates see the ban as part of a larger push against exotic animal domestication. Efforts include supporting the Captive Primate Safety Act, aiming to ban private ownership of primates nationally, addressing wildlife trafficking and safety concerns. Illinois’ leadership may catalyze further protective measures.