I haven't worked at a circus, no. And I don't have enough experience with circuses, the species generally associated with the circus or their training methods to have a particularly solid stance on them. I'm typically in support of the larger circuses (many of them do fall under Association of Zoos and Aquariums and USDA jurisdiction) depending on their level of care, but I have virtually no experience with that (and it's been years since I've been to one).

Facilities that do animal shows, I completely support (provided of course they provide good quality care, which they generally do). And I know that the big one people talk about is Sea World and their orcas (I'm actually planning to write a post about Sea World in the very near future because that is a bit more complicated). Animal shows are often labeled as demeaning or cruel, but in reality they can be incredibly beneficial. For example, I do "shows" with our alligator. From the guests perspective, I am showing off the various "tricks" that the gator can do, but there is a lot more than just performance here. For one, I am training the gator to respond to commands that will keep me safe when working in the exhibit. Staff and vets can also use these commands to make veterinary procedures easier and more comfortable for the animal (better to have the gator swim up and sit still for a shot that to have to wrestle it and hold it down...stressful for everyone to say the least). The show is also a chance for us to be closer to the animal, and we can do a good health assessment. If an animal is showing any signs of stress or a health concern, I can catch it during these shows. And most importantly, it is a form of enrichment; it engages the animal and gets them moving and thinking which is great for physical and psychological health. When carried out properly, animal shows are entertaining for guest, but more importantly a critical means for keepers to gauge animal welfare!