Marc Ayers attended the Sangamon County Fair in New Berlin with a clear objective. He aimed to prevent the return of a show called the Banana Derby, which has been under scrutiny by his organization, Humane World for Animals, for years. During his visit, Ayers witnessed capuchin monkeys, named Gilligan and Bert, dressed as children and tethered to racing dogs. ‘The facial expressions on those primates were alarming,’ Ayers recalled. ‘That’s not their natural behavior. They desperately cling to escape, but they cannot.’
Ayers resolved to stop the show from returning to Illinois. ‘Wild creatures are reduced to mere entertainers for profit,’ he remarked. The Banana Derby, a traveling show from South Carolina, has frequented Illinois fairs for twenty years, per owner Phil Dolci. That is changing. On June 26, Governor JB Pritzker expanded the Traveling Animals Act. Initially barring elephants from shows, the Act now includes big cats, bears, and primates. The law took effect last week.
Dolci and some community members oppose the broad ban, suggesting it targets more than just the problematic exhibitors. Dolci claims Gilligan and Bert have been cared for excellently for over twenty years. ‘They enjoy it, and so do I,’ he shared, recalling children’s delighted responses during performances.
The Banana Derby featured at events like Lake County Fairgrounds in Grayslake. Though fair groups previously deemed these attractions essential for revenue, animal welfare advocates argue their appeal is waning. Alyssa Berman-Cutler from Lincoln Park Zoo noted increasing public awareness about animal welfare. ‘We once thought this acceptable. Now we know better,’ she stated. ‘Communities can celebrate without affecting animal welfare.’
State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, the bill’s lead sponsor, emphasized animal welfare over exhibitor interests. ‘Protecting animals is the priority, not easing harm,’ she affirmed. Illinois banned elephants in circus acts back in 2017, making it the first state to do so. Ayers was instrumental in that initiative. Since then, several states have introduced similar laws. Illinois’ original act left out many commonly featured animals, enabling shows like Banana Derby to operate within the state.
Advocates argued primates, bears, and big cats suffer under constant performance travel. Maureen Leahy from Lincoln Park Zoo supported the law, highlighting primates’ psychological strain from confinement and frequent relocations. Reviewing the Banana Derby’s footage, she pointed out the monkeys’ fear-induced expressions. ‘Their teeth-baring is a clear fear response,’ Leahy explained.
Animal welfare representatives cited numerous USDA reports documenting Banana Derby and Culpepper & Merriweather’s violations. Ayers criticized the ongoing abuse cycle. The latter’s license once faced suspension, and repeated issues indicate continued exploitative practices, Ayers described.
Some locals, like Donald McClarey of Dwight, regret the ban, arguing for focused penalties rather than a broad ban, informed by outreach from groups like PETA, but unaffected in decision-making. USDA cited Banana Derby for inadequate space, enrichment, and transport conditions, complications due to exhibitors’ mobility.
Advocates posit a species-wide ban necessary, with fair records showing persistent booking of cited acts. Cassidy noted bipartisan support for animal welfare legislation, observing minimal opposition even from fair and circus representatives. ‘Defending such acts seems indefensible,’ Cassidy remarked.
Illinois joins states like California and Massachusetts in banning certain traveling animal acts. Berman-Cutler stated laws help reshape perceptions about exotic pets. An Association of Zoos and Aquariums study showed primates increasingly entering pet trade. Misleading performances lead to misconceptions about exotic animals as suitable pets, she argued.
Dolci refrained from scheduling Banana Derby in Illinois anticipating the legislation’s passage, dismissing it as a radical move. Gilligan and Bert travel with him from South Carolina to various states. Dolci laments Illinois children missing experiences he once enjoyed.
Critics like Leahy counter Dolci’s claims of natural monkey behavior observed during performances. Former animals like Eli from Lincoln Park showed stress symptoms common to those in entertainment, she shared.
As county fairs proceed, Banana Derby continues touring where legislation allows. Ayers envisions Illinois’ decision influencing neighboring states, marking significant steps in preventing exotic animal domestication. Illinois’ ban and the proposed national legislation aim to discourage viewing wild animals as performers or pets, advocates articulate.