In 2017, Illinois made history as the first state to ban the use of elephants in circuses and traveling shows. That law showed the world we take animal welfare seriously. But today, acts like the “Banana Derby”—where monkeys are strapped to dogs and forced to race around tracks—are still allowed to operate in our state.

This isn’t harmless fun. It’s cruelty masked as entertainment. These animals endure long-distance transport, harsh confinement, and extreme stress—all for a few minutes of performance. The exhibitor behind the Banana Derby has been cited multiple times by the USDA for violating the Animal Welfare Act, including for denying primates basic psychological care and socialization.

Illinois has already shown it can lead. It’s time to finish what we started.

We’re calling on the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pritzker to pass legislation banning the use of all nonhuman primates and wild animals in traveling acts and circuses. Let’s stop the suffering. Let’s show the world that Illinois stands for compassion, not cruelty.

Please sign and help end these abusive shows once and for all.