Homes Wanted for Wild Animals as Mexico Bans Them from Circuses Anahi Rama - Reuters
go to original March 16, 2015

The Mexican authorities have introduced a new law banning certain animals from performing in circuses. The move means the industry now needs to find a way to address the problem of the estimated 2,000 animals it has in captivity - including tigers, elephants and zebras. Ben Bland reports. (BBC/Atlantet)

Mexico is searching for homes for at least 2,000 tigers, elephants, giraffes, zebras and other exotic beasts that will soon be banned from the country's circuses.

Circus owners are worried about the fate of their animals, which they say are too expensive to keep once the ban kicks in, while government and zoo officials are grappling with myriad difficulties in relocating animals raised to perform tricks under the big top.

The prohibition does not take effect until July 8, but many circuses have already shut down. The legislation stipulates that such animals should evolve in their natural habitat and aims to avoid animal cruelty that civil organizations have long lobbied against.

"We are waiting for a response from the government about what will happen to our animals," said Armando Cedeno, president of the national association of circus owners and artists.

Cedeno estimates there are around 4,000 circus animals in Mexico, double the government's tally.

Read the rest at Daily Mail

Circus performers protest last summer in Mexico City over legislation from the local government to ban animals under the big top. Nathan Frandino reports. (Reuters)

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!