Washington becomes twelfth state to restrict circus animal use. Here’s why

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed a bill making Washington the twelfth state in the country to restrict the use of animals in traveling circuses, exhibits and other shows.

Washington State Senate Bill 5065 was signed into law on April 22 and will take effect in late July 2025. It prohibits the use of elephants, bears, wild cats and nonhuman primates in traveling shows.

The bill was sponsored by sponsored by Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), and had bipartisan support.

“We measure societies by how they treat their most vulnerable members — that includes animals,” Liias stated in a press release. “Traveling acts subject animals, both large and small, to inhumane treatment that endangers their lives and the safety of audiences. I’m proud Washington is standing up for animals by saying no to this cruel, unfair practice.”

Washington bill restricts circus animals

The bill is aimed at restricting traveling shows that transport several large animals from location to location for performance purposes. Such shows are controversial in animal rights spaces, especially as animals in circuses and similar events show patterns of escaping and acting out.

“Captive wild animals in circuses spend most of their days in cramped, barren cages, deprived of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors,” the Animal Legal Defense Fund stated regarding the bill. “Forced to perform frightening and sometimes painful tricks, they often endure a lifetime of misery.”

According to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, captive wild animals had few legal protections in Washington before this bill. All things considered, the not-for-profit organization sees wild animals in traveling shows as a safety concern, both for the animals and the public. On numerous occasions, animals involved with these performances have escaped, caused harm and even death.

The legislation protects the Elephantidae, Felidae (including hybrids but excluding domestic cats) and Ursidae families, as well as all nonhuman primates

The bill does not impact standing facilities like zoos.

Per the legislation, a violation is a gross misdemeanor. Maximum penalties include a $5,000 fine and jail time up to 364 days.

Circuses in Washington state

Traveling circuses frequently stop in Washington. In a recent press release, Humane World for Animals noted Jordan World Circus, which was just recently in Washington, has had an issue with elephants escaping.

The circus has two elderly elephants, Viola and Isa. Humane World for Animals suspects they’re both in their late 50s, and suffering from joint and mobility issues, according to a press release from the nonprofit.

“Last year, Viola made headlines when she escaped from her handlers at Jordan World and ran through traffic and parking lots,” stated Humane World for Animals. “It was her third escape. The following month, she was shipped back to Washington to perform at a county fairground.”

The Animal Legal Defense Fund also mentioned the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus, which has failed to meet the minimum federal standard for animal care and has had shows in Washington. The circus has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Jordan World Circus no longer has its USDA exhibitor license.

McClatchy contacted Jordan World Circus for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication.

This story was originally published April 29, 2025 at 5:00 AM.