Lincoln Park Zoo Leads the Call for Support of Illinois Traveling Animal Act Expansion Following Passage in the State House

Chicago (APRIL 15, 2026) – Lincoln Park Zoo is calling on animal lovers and advocates to contact their State Senators in support of an expansion of the Illinois Traveling Animal Act. HB4255 would expand the existing law to include protections for primates, non-domestic cats such as lions and tigers, and bears. It passed the Illinois House of Representatives on Tuesday, April 14 and now heads to the Senate.

Originally signed into law in 2018 with strong support from Lincoln Park Zoo, the Illinois Traveling Animal Act was the first in the nation to prohibit elephants from being transported across a state for performances. The passage of this law was a huge win for elephant welfare, as it protects elephants from being used by circuses, fairs, trade shows, and more. It also served as a model for similar legislation that followed across the country. Extensive research has shown that animals in traveling acts often lack adequate care, housing, or training and are subject to prolonged confinement and forced performances that are antithetical to modern animal welfare best practices.

Now, Lincoln Park Zoo and partners hope to extend this welfare win to primates, non-domestic cats such as lions and tigers, and bears, which are animals also at high risk of being included in traveling acts and especially vulnerable to the associated welfare concerns. Animal advocates can get involved by contacting their State Senators and asking them to support and cosponsor HB4255.

In addition to the immediate welfare concerns posed by traveling animal acts, studies conducted by Lincoln Park Zoo scientists have also demonstrated that portrayals of non-domestic animals in human-like settings—like the use of capuchin monkeys strapped to racing dogs to simulate a derby—increase the demand for these animals as pets. This creates dangerous situations for owners and local enforcement and leads to increased wildlife trafficking which is devastating wild populations.

To learn more about the importance of the Illinois Traveling Animal Act and this proposed expansion, as well as to sign up to stay informed on ITAA news, visit lpzoo.org/ITAA.

About Lincoln Park Zoo

Lincoln Park Zoo inspires communities to create environments where wildlife will thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a leader in local and global conservation, animal care and welfare, learning, and science. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, the not-for-profit Lincoln Park Zoo is a privately-managed, member-supported organization and is free and open 365 days a year. Visit us at lpzoo.org.