A ZOO ON WHEELS
Travel and Transportation:
When Carson & Barnes 5-Ring Circus hits the road, it is never an ordinary trip. Specially designed semis move our show -- animals, performers and equipment -- to each community that we visit. The trucks are custom-built to meet the needs of each animal species. Moves between show dates are between 45 and 100 miles. As soon as the trucks arrive on the lot, the animals are unloaded, watered, fed and groomed.

Animal Housing:
Our animal enclosures are specially designed and built to meet the unique needs of each species. Pens and enclosures provide room for ample freedom of movement and appropriate social interaction with other animals, proper ventilation, and protection from the elements. From mid-November till-mid March, Carson & Barnes Circus resides in winter quarters in Hugo, Oklahoma. The animals are housed in areas where they can enjoy the break, (barns and acres of exercise areas) but their daily schedule, including feeding, grooming and training, stays consistent.

As soon as Carson & Barnes Circus arrives in a host city, the animal care staff moves the animals from their transport vehicles to a compound that has been set up. The animals are safely housed in enclosures, or tethered in a safe, appropriate manner. Each animal is provided with adequate space according to its particular needs as defined by the Animal Welfare Act, and according to the advice of the Carson & Barnes Circus veterinarians and the animal's individual trainer.

Elephants are comfortably kept in pens formed by electric fencing. Carson & Barnes Circus uses this traveling perimeter fence so that our elephants can exercise and socialize while they are inside the fence. Shades are then erected. The big cats are housed in specially designed cages with slide-out verandas and high-mounted perches that provide ample room for movement and interaction between animals.

Safety and Security:
Carson & Barnes Circus provides around-the-clock security and safety for our animals to insure their protection and well being from other animals, natural predators, public harassment, vandalism and trespassers.

We acknowledge and respect the natural instincts of our exotic animals. Our animal attendants are familiar with the individual personalities and temperaments of their charges. In our entire history, Carson & Barnes Circus has never experienced an animal-related incident that placed a member of the general public at risk during a performance.