thumb|300px|Grand Parade, [[Sydney Royal Easter Show.]]
An animal show is a form of exhibition featuring the display or performance of one or more breeds of animal.
Purpose
An animal show can be for entertainment, educational, and/or commercial purpose. A judged event may rank specimens for the benefit of those involved in animal breeding or husbandry, or provide entertainment to animal fancy hobbyists.
Types of shows
The US Animal Welfare Act identifies a number of types of animal exhibitions:
Amusement parks
Modern amusement parks often feature performing marine mammals and even contain drive-thru animal safari tours. The animal shows are typically operated by a contracted performer, while the animal parks are owned by the theme park itself.
Unfortunately, many studies have demonstrated that several marine mammals are not made for captivity and keeping them in these tanks is a form of cruelty. Also, the main messages send by these shows are told to be controversial.
To face these difficulties, Edge Innovation created a robotic dolphin. The goal is to keep educating and entertaining the public without having to keep marine mammals in captivity.
Pet shows
Dog shows, cat shows, hamster shows, and rabbit shows are exhibitions for breeders and breed enthusiasts.
Promotional exhibits
Animals are sometimes used to attract business to a commercial enterprise, such as a bear at a gasoline service station, a monkey at a trade show, or an elephant at a shopping center. These animals are typically displayed but might also perform in a show.