Lionesses and lions in the grip of an unlawful wren.

An outrageous situation, a powerful mobilization is necessary.

At the beginning of the same week, the authorities contacted us to seize the lions who should not be in this circus. Removal of the big cats and to place them in a secure sanctuary in South African run by our partners Born Free requires complex planning and organization. In two days, our team had put everything in place: specialized veterinarians, a truck to direct them to a place of quarantine in a park in Belgium. The first couple of days would be to prepare them for the departure by plane to their country of Africa. We must commend at this point, the availability, involvement and presence at our side, the gendarmerie. The seizure was to take place on Sunday at dawn. Friday late afternoon, we are told that everything has been cancelled. No seizure and the court case closed. The circus can go back on the roads.

What has become of the lion cubs? No answer. The wild animals return again to the caged trucks, the endless road and this lion tamer dressed in red and glitter. He has not yet understood that we do not want any longer the need of his ranting and raving. May he leave these animals in peace. These animals have nothing to do with these circus games of Paris or anywhere else. Obviously, in high places, we consider that the law is not made for circuses, they are beyond the law. We must believe that in "High places", one is afraid of a revolt with cotton candy or with toffee apples. Of love, there is none for animals in this world.

This circus and the others, that dare everything ...

This circus belongs to a "big" circus family, and contrary to the image it wants to give, it is not a small travelling circus, it is a real consortium of entertainment establishments, that all intensively exploit animals and not only wild animals. They have made a specialty of challenging the authorities for years. Do not be fooled by the photo, published in 2017, of this brave man caressing a poor apathetic lioness through her cage. We understand how trainers know how to pose smiling and approachable in front of the lens. This family runs an impressive number of circuses throughout Europe, some of which bear the prestigious name, in this environment, of Zavatta. To read their chosen names on the internet is to give an air of splendour and grandiose. On the flip side is only violence and abuse, it is a prison world where representation and money accounts for everything. 

A menagerie of captive animals in danger and suffering

We constantly intervene with the authorities or the courts to try to save all the animals held by these circuses. They are numerous and of all kinds: lions, zebras, elephants, pythons, hippopotamus, bovids, camels, dromedaries...a menagerie that could envy any zoo. Many of these beasts are illegally detained with regards to the law, however insignificant and inadequate, we have condemned and attacked this in front of the Council of the State.

For circuses without animals

Large circus families question their practices and the end of the presence of animals in their shows. We support this awareness and sensitivity of all living things. These are the degrading traditions that these big names of the circus world now challenge, some have already taken the plunge. Acrobats, jugglers, illusionists or clowns will bring more joy to all, than those of wild animals who spend most of their time rotting in cages.

We must save these lionesses and this lion, and find the two lion cubs!

This circus and others do not follow the path towards circuses without animals. Sawdust, where they let these lions’ decay, must clog up their brains. One Voice demands at least the respect of the law, the gendarmes are committed to our side and the majority of the French want these practices to cease. This circus must be accountable and comply with the regulations.