20 May 2009

Circus captivity is beastly for wild animals



On average, circus animals were found to spend just 1 to 9 per cent of their time training, and the rest confined to cages or enclosures typically covering a quarter of the area recommended for zoos. While domesticated animals such as dogs or horses can adapt to these conditions, species such as elephants, lions, tigers and bears cannot, the researchers say.

“Circus animals spend most of their time confined to cages or enclosures far smaller than those in zoos”

Many of the confined animals ...