Animal Care

A relationship built on respect, trust, affection and uncompromising care.

The animal care professionals at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® believe that a positive, healthy environment is the only acceptable and successful method of working with animals. The animals are fed, watered, groomed and cleaned daily. The entire stable area, including individual stalls, is cleaned regularly. The manure is removed and fresh bedding is provided.

Trainers teach animals routines that showcase their physical abilities and beauty, as well as their distinctive behaviors. Our training methods are based on reinforcement in the form of food rewards and words of praise. Verbal or physical abuse and the withholding of food or water are strictly prohibited. Drugs or sedatives are not administered unless prescribed by our vets for medical reasons.

Our valuable vets.

Ringling Bros.® employs a full-time veterinary staff to provide ongoing medical care for all of our animals. Each animal in our circus family receives regular, thorough medical examinations and all needed vaccinations. Each touring unit has its own veterinary technician who travels with the show and provides daily medical care to the animals, while two full-time veterinarians travel between the units.