The show can’t go on: the fight for an EU-wide ban on wild animals in circuses
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Four ex-circus lions discovered in France are due to be re-housed at Born Free, invigorating the call for an EU-wide ban on wild animals in circuses.
By Jacob Dykes
Whip-wielding, top-hat-wearing lion tamers may seem anachronistic, yet the exploitation of wild animals in circuses continues today. A French circus owner was recently attacked by one of his lions, prompting the surrender of four cats to the authorities. Angela, Bellone, Louga and Saïda will be re-housed at Born Free’s sanctuary at Shamwari Private Game Reserve in South Africa.
Dr Chris Draper, head of animal welfare and captivity at Born Free, has seen the conditions of European circuses first hand. ‘Conditions are woefully inadequate. Animals are made to perform once or twice a day. They’re living cheek by jowl, often with predator and prey side-by-side.’
Thirty-one countries worldwide and 18 EU countries have banned the use of wild animals in circuses; 24 EU countries restrict the use of animals in one form or another...
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