Uzbekistan to Prohibit Wild Animals in Circuses from 2025

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan - In a move to enhance animal welfare, Uzbekistan has announced a ban on the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes in circuses starting January 1, 2025, according to nova24.uz. This decision will affect both state and traveling circuses across the country.

The new regulation will also make it illegal for private individuals to keep wild animals in captivity. Exceptions are made for zoos, terrariums, oceanariums, and serpentariums, provided they are operated by legal entities with explicit permission from the Ministry of Ecology.

This ban reflects a growing global trend towards recognizing the ethical implications of using wild animals in performances and aims to improve conditions for these animals by restricting their use to more appropriate and regulated environments. The initiative has sparked discussions on animal rights and entertainment ethics in Uzbekistan, signaling a shift towards more humane practices in public entertainment.