All I remember is people dressed in costumes as different animals and I believe they played instruments, maybe had to f do with a circus, they sung a song in the beginning of the show and it its not a cartoon

Hiya luckycharms81,
First of all, my sympathy with regards to your father. Can you provide any more info about the program in question ?? (How long ago was it, for example). I'm guessing it is a children's show ??
Just a wild stab with the info given....... Two that spring to mind are; 1. The banana splits..... 2. Animal crackers
It's probably neither of those, but it's a start & it might jog someone else s memory.
Good luck & Take care,
Slim. Xx

Mayyybbeee this:
Zoobilee Zoo Theme Song (HQ) - YouTube

Zoobilee Zoo or Dumbo's Circus