"When they portray animals as freaks and curiosities, devoid of context or dignity, circuses are perpetuating outdated attitudes. Wild animals in the circus are reduced to mere caricatures of their kind, exhibited just for financial gain. In this way, they corrupt our children, promoting the notion that exploitation and degradation is acceptable, even brave or funny."—David Hancocks, former director, Seattle’s Woodland Park Zoo
Forcing animals to behave unnaturally is abusive. Punishing them, using a whip and other methods of dominance is cruel. The following are examples of unnatural behaviour in circuses:
- Swaying, rocking, continuous pacing or head bobbing: The animal is highly stressed.
- Bald spots: A sign of self-mutilation caused by extreme stress.
- Walking on hind legs: Quadrupeds walk on four legs (hence the name).
- Leaping through flames: Animals have a natural fear of fire.
Maltreatment, abuse, punishment, separation of pups and cubs from their mothers and family, a sad unnatural life, confinement, lack of veterinary care, chains, abandonment and extreme reactions from overly stressed animals are a reality that must not take place.
Let us end the use of animals for amusement purposes. Support these circuses for they do not use wild animals:
- Cirque du Soleil
- Cirque Ingenieux
- The New Pickle Family Circus
- Cirque Eos
Join efforts to ban the use of performing animals. Become informed and take action:
Animals do not Enjoy the Circus
They enjoy their natural life
A breathtaking beauty: the Luna Moth
