A Checklist for Inspections
of Circuses and Traveling Shows

Prior to an actual inspection, it’s advisable to acquire a basic understanding of the biology and behaviour of those wild animal species you expect to encounter, or those most commonly found in circuses and travelling shows. In descending order of frequency, they are elephants, tigers, lions, bears, camels, crocodilians and primates (usually macaque monkeys or chimpanzees). Occasionally, zebras, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, various snakes, and a few other species can be found in circuses and travelling shows as well.

A basic understanding of accepted zoo industry minimum husbandry and housing standards for each species should also be acquired prior to conducting an inspection. This, along with the biological/behavioural information mentioned above, will provide a foundation for assessing conditions.

During inspections, written observations should be supported with photographs and video. If the visit is an "official" one and is announced in advance, a request should be made to have veterinary records, import permits, etc. available for review.

Inspection reports can be important tools in legislative and educational initiatives, regardless of whether or not any "legal" action is initiated at the time the "act" is in your jurisdiction, so all reports should be comprehensive and detailed.

The following information should be recorded:

• legal name, address, and phone number of primary animal trainers
• species, number, sex and age of all animals
• are there any non-performing animals
• size (length, width, height) of cages and enclosures
• shape of cages and enclosures
• type of substrate in each cage and enclosure
• barrier type (chainlink, bars, hot-wire, etc.)
• general condition of cages and enclosures
• number of animals in each cage and enclosure
• furnishings, moveable objects in each cage and enclosure
• if outside, are shade areas provided
• are privacy areas available that allow animals to remove themselves from the view of the public, staff and cagemates
• are appropriate bedding materials provided
• if separate exercise cages are used, see points 6 – 14
• duration of each day spent by animal in exercise cage
• duration of each day spent by animal in primary cage or enclosure
• are elephants chained or electric fenced
• duration of each day spent chained/ electric fenced
• are elephants chained in a row
• are chains padded
• what type of substrate are elephants required to stand on
• are elephants used for rides (if so, which animals)
• are any animals situated in close proximity to excessive noise
• are all animals provided with potable water in sufficient quantity
• are animals using furnishings, moveable objects (describe in detail)
• are there any noticeable scars, abrasions, fur loss, injuries, etc.
• are animals exhibiting abnormal behaviours (rocking, swaying, pacing, etc.)
• are normally social animals kept housed individually

This list is not comprehensive and can be expanded considerably based on the experience of the person conducting the inspection. In some cases, qualified specialists may have to be brought in to determine whether or not the conduct of the circus or travelling show is legally actionable.