Many countries have banned the use of wild and domestic animals in circuses. Indeed, only horses and dogs are now used in some training events. For their protection and for the safety of spectators, many species, especially those considered dangerous and endangered, will be banned from circuses.
Why are wild animals now banned in circuses?
A ban on wild animal circuses is to be established in Europe. No date has been communicated for their banning as their rehousing still requires huge organisations. Even if some zoos can accommodate a few, relocating them all is proving to be impossible due to a lack of space and budget. The appearance of animals in shows is considered to be an old tradition to entertain the older audience, however, the new generation, which is more involved in animal rights, is sensitive to their future and fate. Children and schools no longer go to the circus because they are shocked to see them. The mistreatment and disappearance of wild animals have led many countries to ban wild animals in circuses.
The drawbacks of not using wild animals in circuses
Many professionals and owners of circuses with wild animals believe that banning them from the shows mans the end of entertainment. For them, it is the death of the circus and thus of the entire profession. Indeed, due to the current health situation, many performances have been cancelled and if animals are also banned, circuses will even close. According to these professionals, wild animals are not mistreated in any way and are close to humans. They say that the animals were even born in captivity and will not survive in the wild if released. They therefore consider this ban to be unfair to their profession. The circus managers expect less radical measures or even the complete abandonment of the new laws on the banning of wild animals.
Where will the wild animals from the circuses go?
NGOs and conservationists are thinking of privatising zoos to let them live freely. Wild animal circuses will have to reinvent themselves after the new laws banning them from shows. In the years to come, keeping them in a circus may shock many people. Some animal rights activists believe that after a few days on the loose, they can be released back into the wild. However, this will not be the case for all of them as they will not all be able to survive for several reasons. They will most likely be forced to live in zoos or shelters.
In short, to avoid the total extinction of wild animals, new laws have banned their captivity in circuses. Despite protests from owners and show managers, new laws will soon be enforced. Show producers must find a new concept to ensure the survival of the circus.