Be Circus Free!

 

Whenever you go to the circus, you pay  for more  animals to go through the extreme torture that is the circus. Although it looks fun, the circus is a lurid place, and animals are forced to endure endless hours of  appalling abuse. They are trapped in tiny cages for up to twenty-two hours a day and are only let out when practicing for their next unnatural act.

   I know that I've already made a post about this issue, but it seems that the circus is an issue that many people overlook. This is fine. Many people don't know the consequences of going to a circus. And that is why I make these posts. To spread awareness about the issue of the circus is one of the main reasons I have this blog. It is one of the most popular animal cruelty acts.

   Do you want our beautiful animals of the wild to be in small cages every day? To perform only out of fear of sharp bull hooks and cracking whips? Do you want this animal slavery?

Sources: 

• https://bigcatrescue.org/abuse-issues/issues/circus/
• http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/the-terrible-lives-of-circus-elephants/
• picture from One Green Planet

Breeding in Captivity

   There are many breeding programs that are designed to help animals increase their population, but many people don't realize that these programs are not as advertised. Breeding animals in captivity is far from the idea of animal conservation. This may be surprising since the programs are supposed to protect the species, but they are actually creating underprivileged animals.

   The only reason as to why wild animals should be in captivity is if they can't be released back into the wild. It makes no sense to keep wild animals in captivity for multiple reasons. First of all, it can be dangerous for the owner. Wild animals such as wildcats are not domestic. They can easily overpower a human and unknowingly harm them. Unfortunately, wildcats and other wild animals are usually killed if they cause any harm. It creates a horrible and traumatic cycle of harm. Wild animals aren't supposed to be cooped up in a building or small enclosure. They have acres of territory in the wild, and cages, houses, backyards, and small enclosures simply cannot suffice. It is unnatural and limits the power of these magnificent creatures. We shouldn't be creating more animals that are faced with an unnaturally small habitat and limited possibilities. Big Cat Rescue states, "The only sanctioned international breeding plans for exotic cats are called Species Survival Plans (SSP) and they are ONLY carried out in accredited zoos." On top of that, it is common for the owners to not be able to support the animals, and this creates an even bigger issue.

    So why can we keep domesticated animals but not wild animals? It's actually quite simple. Domesticated animals are used to living their lives indoors with all the benifits of sharing a home with a human. However, wild animals are usually much larger than house pets, and they have more requirements than domesticated animals. They need much more space than the area of a house, backyard, or cage. They also should be fed food based off of the diet their species has in the wild, and pet owners and some organizations don't meet that requirement.

   What is the main reason as to why wild animals shouldn't be bred in captivity? As I said earlier, "The only reason as to why wild animals should be in captivity is if they can't be released back into the wild." So, if we breed more animals, we are creating more animals that are forced to be cooped up in small cages, unable to release their full potential. These animals are wild. They are not meant to be unnaturally contained. While organizations breeding animals may think they are securing the population, they are actually breeding underpriveleged animals. They are harming so many magnificent species rather than helping them.

Sources

• https://bigcatrescue.org/breeding-and-selling/
• picture from Wikipedia

Are Zoos the Best Answer?

   Most people believe that zoos are always a good place to trust. Unfortunately, this isn't true. Most have relatively small enclosures, misunderstood breeding programs, and terrible information programs.

   My local zoo, for example, seemed very nice to me a few months ago, but I have recently rethought my opinion. Although animal enclosures may look large, they really aren't. These wild animals may have acres of territory in the wild, and the small enclosures they are put in at a zoo probably aren't the best for them. I also saw large banners advertising the zoo's breeding program. Although breeding programs such as the ones at zoos may seem like agood way to repopulate endagered and threatened animal species, they actually aren't. On top of all this, I was also given misinformation.

   I know that breeding animals in captivity may seem like a controversal situation, but as for the breeding facilities, I was just disappointed. Many people don't know that breeding wild animals in captivity can have negative impacts, and that's totally fine. But we're talking about zoos right now. Zoos have one main purpose: to protect and care for their animals. That is why I believe that people who run zoos should know that it isn't alaways a good thing to breed wild animals such as wildcats and other wild animals in captivity. Other than domesticated pets, I believe there should be no animals in captivity. In my opinion, the only reason as to why wild animals should be in captivity is if they are injured and can not be released back into the wild. If we breed animals in captivity, won't this only create more creatures that will never be able to show their full potential or get to live in the wild? It doesn't seem like conservation to me because we aren't affecting the animals in the wild. Big Cat Rescue, a reputable sanctuary for wildcats in Tampa, Florida, says that big cats "were designed to live free, not in cages," and they are totally right. 
 
   As I stated earlier, I was presented with misinformation about big cats. I was told that clouded leopards are a subspecie of leopards, but this is false. Clouded leopards are actually their own species.

   From all my experiences with zoos, I have to conclude that they are not always reputable places. I'm not saying that all zoos have negative impacts or give out incorrect information like this. And the breeding programs may end up having positive impacts. For example, some zoos follow Species Survival Plans. Big Cat Rescue states, "The only sanctioned international breeding plans for exotic cats are called Species Survival Plans (SSP) and they are ONLY carried out in accredited zoos." But I must say that I do not support all zoos.

Sources:

• http://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/c/clouded-leopard/
• https://bigcatrescue.org/
• https://a-z-animals.com/animals/clouded-leopard/
• picture from A-Z Animals

Big Cat Rescue Tampa, FL

Big Cat Rescue

Big Cat Rescue is a non-profit organization located in Tampa, Florida that is devoted to protecting big cats in the wild and in captivity. Big Cat Rescue is home to over 100 wildcats, and it is working to stop exotic pet ownership and the trade of these animals. All of their animals were either mistreated, rescued from tiny backyard pens, circuses, fairs, orphaned, abandoned, or injured. Big Cat Rescue is an amazing wildlife rescue that any cat lover would want to go to.

Fun Facts

• won the People's Choice Awards 3 times
• has been supported by celebrities such as Animal Planet's Ms. Adventure, celebrity chefs from Hell's Kitchen, the cast of Marry Poppins, and Jane Goodall
• been on the news over 1,000 times: including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and National Geographic   

Big Cat Rescue's Website: https://bigcatrescue.org/

Ban on Big Cat Hunting in Zambia Lifted

2013 Leads to Death of Lions and Leopards

   Recently in 2013, Zambia's government lifted the ban on killing wild lions and leopards. They announced that the killing of lions would resume in 2016 (last year) and that leopards would start to be killed in 2015.

   This decision may be the cause of the decline of big cats, rather than stabilizing the population. You see, Zambia lifted the ban only because the ban started when the species started declining due to trophy and game hunting. Their government decided there was a steady amount of cats and explained that hunting would resume shortly.

   But their calculations were wrong! Zambia's estimated population was 8,000 leopards and 4,000 lions. However, only about 1,500 lions currently were in Zambia. Conservationists were angered to see that although the estimates were wrong, the ban was still in order. However, this was all done for a good cause.

What was the Cause of the Act?

  Now I know you're all wondering why a nice, peaceful place like Zambia would once more allow people to shoot the majestic animals that lions and leopards are. Of course, there's a reason. Zambia's government believes that the money they make from the hunting permits will help raise money for poor villages in need of assistance.

   “I am lifting the ban on the following conditions: the guidelines are drafted into a statutory instrument so that they become part of the wildlife law. Lion hunting should only resume in the 2016/2017 hunting season and not this year. Leopard hunting can resume this year 2015/2016 season, but with very cautionary quotas,” Mrs Kapata, government official, said.

     

   However, some people are still against the act. "The decision is not good at all and frankly we have a crisis," says James Chungu of  the Lusengwa Conservation Trust. "There are concerns about Africa's big animals in the face of a surge in poaching where well-armed criminal gangs have killed elephants for their ivory tusks and rhinos for horns that are often shipped to Asia for use in ornaments and medicines," says Yahoo News. The main reason that people are a bit angry is that the population of these cats will most likely decrease.

 Sources:

• http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-32815508
•  http://news.yahoo.com/zambia-lifts-ban-big-cat-trophy-hunting-093543365--business.html

Is the Big Cat Trade Still Going On?

 

   Before we get started, the big cat trade is basically the trade or abuse of wildcats including circuses, wildcats at carnivals, and having these cats as pets. The big cat trade also includes canned hunting and trophy hunting. It is a horrible cycle where cats are either killed or abused.

   And the answer to the question is yes. The big cat trade, unfortunately, is still going on. However, we can end it if we become educated on it and do our best to stop it.

Circuses
 
   One of the main abusers of wildcats, or just wild animals in general, is the circus. The circus may seem like a fun place for people to laugh at clowns and have a good time, and if it wasn't for the animal abuse, it might be. But the animal abuse is so unbelievably cruel that it is hard for us to enjoy ourselves.

   Animals there are brutally abused and treated like their only purpose in life is to perform. Instead of rewarding animals for their triumphs, circus trainers strip them of their wild instincts and freedom. Big Cat Rescue states, "Often the cats are beaten, starved and confined for long periods of time in order to get them to cooperate with what the trainers want." These animals either spend time performing unnatural acts or waiting for up to twenty-two hours in their cages. "...life on the road means that most of a cat’s life is spent in a circus wagon in the back of a semi-truck or in a crowded, stinking box car on a train or barge," Big Cat Rescue truthfully tells us.

   One way you can stop this kind of trade is just saying no to the circus. Circuses have already lost their elephants, and this will bring less and less people to the cruel show. Now, all you have to do is say no.

Cute Cubs at the Carnival

   Seeing those adorable tiger cubs at the local fair or carnival is a classic way to enjoy yourself. However, many people don't know how abusive and cruel this actually is. By even touching one of these majestic cats, you are unknowingly supporting animal cruelty and maybe even giving this cat a horrible life. Big Cat Rescue states, "The truth is that by petting the cubs you are unknowingly participating in a business that results in a lifetime of misery for these animals and has a negative impact on conservation of these majestic animals in the wild."

   I know this may seem confusing, because the cats are "rejected" by their mothers or are orphans. Unfortunately, the story is twisted. The cats are usually taken from their mothers and live a horrible life when they grow too big to remain at the carnival.

   After their time at the fair is up, they are usually sent to canned hunters or circuses. Big Cat Rescue tells us, "If they survive, they typically end up living in tiny, barren cages." Since the cubs have underdeveloped immune systems, many do not survive, and if they do, they live a life full of gloom.

Canned Hunting 

   Our last issue of petting cats at carnivals leads to our next issue, canned hunting. Canned hunting and trophy hunting are probably some of the most disturbing examples of the big cat trade. Canned hunting is essentially taking "tamed" and helpless wild animals, such as the tigers and lions at the fair, and shooting them in cages.

   Big Cat Rescue states, "The term 'canned hunt' refers to the shooting of exotic animals on game farms or hunting ranches that are in the business of breeding or buying exotic animals so that 'hunters' can pay to be guaranteed a kill." This is especially horrible because the cats are unsuspecting and unafraid of the "hunter" since they have usually been around people their whole lives.

What can we do to end the trade?

   There is one very simple thing we can all do to help end the trade. Just say no. Say no to circuses and to the oppurtunity of petting a cute lion club at the fair. There are terrible consequences to these forms of the big cat trade, but if we just say no to them, there will be nothing to protest in the future.

Sources:

• https://bigcatrescue.org/abuse-issues/issues/circus/
• https://bigcatrescue.org/cubs/
• https://bigcatrescue.org/abuse-issues/issues/canned-hunting/
• http://mybigcatblog.blogspot.com/
• picture found on My Big Cat Blog

 

Circuses: Good or Bad?

The Cruelest Show on Earth

   

   The circus is one of the most abusive animal cruelty acts in the world. The show may leave you giggling in delight, but it most likely leaves the animals thinking of their next nightmare. But they never get a break. Not even when the show is over. They are either practicing stunts that could kill them, or trying to sleep in a cage smaller then they are, wrapped in chains. Viewers often don't know the danger these majestic animals are put in. Elephants take the risk of falling when they stand on one foot on tiny tubs. Lions and tigers jump through rings on fire! What would happen if an elephant slipped.... or if a tiger fell out of the air? The animal would most likely die. And the trainers are put in serious danger, too. Animals and their trainers are put in danger. Unbelievable. The circus is cruel, unnecessary, and dangerous. 

   The PETA states, "Elephants, tigers, and other animals that circuses use to entertain audiences do not stand on their heads, jump through hoops, or balance on pedestals because they want to. They perform these and other difficult tricks because they’re afraid of what will happen if they don’t." They are totally right. Do we ever see animals jumping through flaming rings or balancing on one foot in the wild? Let's start exposing the circus with eight things that circuses all around don't want you to know.

8 Things the Circus Doesn't Want you to Know

   

   For years, the circus has covered up all their deepest secrets on the abuse of their animals. But now, we know. And now, we can make a difference. Now let's start by unraveling some of their most shocking secrets.

#8: Animals spend most of their lives in chains.

When circus animals aren't performing, they are secured to some type of poll, forced to stand there in chains, or they are trapped in the tiniest cages imaginable. Big Cat Rescue states, "Often the cats are beaten, starved and confined for long periods of time in order to get them to cooperate with what the trainers want.  And life on the road means that most of a cat’s life is spent in a circus wagon in the back of a semi-truck or in a crowded, stinking box car on a train or barge."

#7: Elephants are hurt for any "disobedience."

Elephants in the circus are obviously forced to do the acts. When they stop cooperating, they are immediately whipped or hit with sharp tools. Thankfully, the circus elephants are leaving soon, so this abuse will stop.

#6: The wounds on punished elephants are visible.

Workers use powder or anything that matches the skin color that they can find to cover up the wounds. When the inspector or visitor comes around, the elephants were never hurt or punished and are living happy lives.

#5: Trainers have tools such as electric prods and bull hooks. 

To train and punish the animals, trainers use tools that could almost be weapons to control the animals.

#4: Even children know about animal cruelty at the circus.

Adults aren't the only ones to boycott!

#3: At many popular circuses, many people show up boycotting.

People try to get visitors to turn around as they hold up their signs about circus cruelty. People know what really goes on under the tent.

#2: Baby elephants are dragged away from their mothers.

In the wild, social bonds are everything to elephants. At the circus, mothers and babies are ripped away from each other.

#1: Training baby elephants is disgustingly cruel. 

The training includes a long, exhausting six-month process of breaking the animals. It is cruel in every way possible. Although elephants are thankfully soon going to leave the circus for good, it is important that we remember everything these elephants had to go through so we can continue to understand the cruelty that the circus is.

7 Animals Hurt in the Circus

   

   Thankfully, we will no longer see elephants in the circus. However, there is still a lot of animal cruelty. Here is a list of seven animals abused at the circus:

• tigers
• lions
• bears
• horses
• monkeys
• dogs

   

   It is shocking to see that even "man's best friend" is abused at the circus. This is most likely horrifying to animal lovers and pet owners.

The circus is full of lies.

   Since there are so many protesters and conservationists out there, the circus spreads lies to mantain their reputation. These lies often include that they have "special bonds" with their animals and that they are "ambassadors" for their animals. 

   This is funny since there is obviously abuse. If there was a special bond between the trainer and the animal, wouldn't the trainer care for the animal's welfare and not use tools like bullhooks? Wouldn't they try to show the animal's wild potential in a safe way instead of forcing it to jump unnaturally through a flaming hoop?

   And if they are really ambassadors, then why haven't we gotten articles about conservation from them? Why do we only hear about animal cruelty instead of animal facts? These are all questions we have to ask ourselves. Please, just say no to the circus.

Sources:

•  https://www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment/circuses/
• https://bigcatrescue.org/abuse-issues/issues/circus/
• http://www.onegreenplanet.org/animalsandnature/the-terrible-lives-of-circus-elephants/