Help save Spike and Spot from life in a circus

Animals Australia has received information that Spike and Spot, two lion cubs born in Darling Downs Zoo (Queensland) in October 2011, may soon be sold to an Australian travelling circus. If this occurs, these two young lions will spend the rest of their lives on the road in a small, barren enclosure with no opportunity whatsoever to express their natural behaviour.

The world's only scientific review on the welfare of exotic animals in circuses confirms that it is impossible to satisfy the behavioural and welfare needs of exotic animals in travelling circuses.

These captive-bred animals deserve a better life. If Spike and Spot are sold to the circus they will be forced to perform in stressful conditions in front of noisy crowds. Sadly there are still some in the community willing to attend circuses that use exotic animals despite the deprived and inappropriate existence these animals endure.

These are the same lion cubs that were last year forced to appear at an event to celebrate the opening of a Sydney landfill site – their exploitation sparking mass outrage.

Animals Australia has twice contacted Darling Downs Zoo about Spike and Spot, with no response. The Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) has reminded Darling Downs Zoo of their responsibilities as an associate member of the ZAA which does not condone the selling of animals to circuses. To date the Zoo has not denied plans to send these cubs to a circus.

Please call on Darling Downs Zoo not to condemn Spike and Spot to a caged and cruel life in the circus.

Take Action!

Subject: (please enter a subject line) Dear Darling Downs Zoo, (please edit the letter below, or send as-is) I am writing to urge you not to condemn lion cubs Spike and Spot to a miserable life in a travelling circus. Circus life is totally inappropriate for exotic animals. These lions will spend their whole lives on the road in barren, cramped cages with no opportunity to express their natural behaviours. At each stop they will be forced to perform in stressful conditions in front of noisy crowds. The world's only scientific review on the welfare of exotic animals in circuses, 'Are wild animals suited to a travelling circus life?' by the University of Bristol in the UK, confirms that it is impossible to satisfy the behavioural and welfare needs of exotic animals in travelling circuses. The mission statement of Darling Downs Zoo includes promoting an appreciation and respect for animals and highlights the need for them to be housed in appropriate social groupings and habitats. There is no more abnormal environment for an exotic animal than a travelling circus, nor do circuses play any meaningful role in education or conservation. The lifelong suffering of Spike and Spot would only be for the sake of a few minutes of entertainment. They deserve better. Please act in line with your philosophy and save these beautiful cubs from a cruel circus life. Sincerely, Your Name

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• Darling Downs Zoo

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