Circus Animals

Kevin Patton's views on performing animals in the circus

Performing animals have always been a part of the circus and thus an integral part of American culture for more than 200 years and of Eurasian culture for more than 2000 years. Yet so many of us know very little about the how performing animals live, how they are trained, and how they are treated by their trainers and handlers. It is no wonder, then, that misinformation about performing circus animals abounds today.

In order to help clarify the facts as I see them and to offer informed opinions on some of the issues currently surrounding the topic of animals in the circus, I have created several web resources. The material contained in these pages is completely my own and reflects my opinion. Where possible, I have included links to sites that offer divergent, even opposing, opinions so that you can decide for yourself where you stand on these issues. I have no desire or intent to judge the validity or sincerity of anyone else's opinions, nor do I condemn anyone of an opposing viewpoint. Please do the same for me.

Before you read my material you should know some things about me. These facts will help illuminate my biases and also let you evaluate the validity of my opinions for yourself.

• My name is Kevin Patton (for some brief personal data click here)
• I learned wild animal training and handling during a five-year term as a zookeeper and animal trainer at the St. Louis Zoo.
• I trained and (very) occasionally presented performing wild animals in circuses, TV, and theme parks full-time for one year and then off-and-on during summers and other breaks for nearly another ten years.
• I trained and presented wild animals in educational exhibitions
• I have a bachelor's degree in biology (vertebrate zoology and behavior), a master's degree in environmental studies (environmental physiology), and a doctoral degree in biology (vertebrate anatomy, physiology, and behavior)
• My master's and doctoral research focused on physiological stress in captive wild animals, particularly stress induced by keepers/handlers
• I am currently a professor and a published author of science textbooks
• I served as a consultant for a number of years in the health and care of captive reptiles, birds, and fish
• I have worked with the following types of animals: large and small cats, marine mammals, elephants, horses, primates, birds, reptiles, fish, domestic dogs and cats, other mammals
• I have studied wild animal training in the circus, particularly big cat and elephant training and presentation, for nearly thirty years and have one of the largest personal collections of books on this topic in North America
• I have been recognized as a conservationist and animal welfare advocate
• I have been to Africa, Australia, Central America, and South America on education/conservation safaris numerous times and have observed hundreds of free-living lions, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, primates, and other wild animals in their natural environment
• I sometimes attend five or more circus shows a year, sometimes many more, in North America, Europe, and elsewhere. At each performance, I carefully observe the conditions of the animals and their quarters as well as their treatment.

OK, now to the heart of the matter:

Click here to see my answers to Frequently Asked Questions about animals in the circus.

Click here to see my essay on whole idea of performing animals.

Related Links:

Circus Animals Care and Training web site
PETA Kills Animals

Kevin Patton is a former circus animal trainer and performer,
and is a member of the following organizations:
Circus Fans Association, Circus Historical Society, Friends of Circus World Museum.
Dr. Patton is now a biology professor and author of scientific texbooks.

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