Several zoos have signed on in support of the bill including the Toronto Zoo, the Calgary Zoo, the Granby Zoo, the Assiniboine Park Zoo and the Montreal Biodome.

Zoo operators have been forced to pivot their business models and lobby for government support amid a near-full collapse in regular revenues during the coronavirus pandemic.

"The animals are stressed when they're constantly being held or patted or forced to give rides or to perform tricks. This is an unnatural activity for them," said Melissa Matlow, the Canada-based campaign director at World Animal Protection.