Background and Overview

How long have wild animals been part of the circuses? How long have they appeared in American circuses?  (first paragraph) 

What exotic animals are most commonly seen in circuses?  (scroll down to "animal acts")

What protections are in place for performing animals? What laws and government agencies try to regulate their care and inspect their treatment?  (scroll down to "Who protects the animals in a circus?") 

Are concerns about animal abuse aimed at a few circuses, or are most circuses criticized for their treatment and care of performing animals? (click on several circuses and read 1st paragraph of reports) Also, try circuses.com/circuses.asp