Even under the best of circumstances, captivity can be hell for animals meant to roam free. Kept in small, barren cages, forced to sleep on concrete slabs, and imprisoned behind iron bars, performing animals often suffer from malnutrition, loneliness, the denial of all normal pleasures and behaviors, loss of freedom and independence, even lack of veterinary care, and filthy quarters. Attracting customers is the first consideration and the animals' welfare is often the last. Confined to tiny cages and gawked at by crowds, animals in exhibits and acts endure constant stress. They may suffer from temperature extremes and irregular feeding and watering.
Mental illness is rampant among confined animals.
What You Can Do Ritzy, Little Ace, Mikey, Chico, and Chicklet were monkeys who lived in small, isolated, dirty cages at five different hardware stores in Illinois. With nothing to look at all day but paint cans, shovels, and gawking customers, they were never able to play, groom, or interact with others of their own species. No law exists that would force him to do so, and Ritzy, Little Ace, Mikey, Chico, and Chicklet probably would still be in their miserable isolation today if activists had not stepped in. After extensive campaigning by protesters, the store owner finally bowed to public pressure and agreed to place the monkeys in a sanctuary. If a local mall, hotel, or other establishment features an animal act or exhibit, voice your concerns to the manager or promoter.