The harrowing cry for help from the Zavatta Circus lions in Freneuse

Since mid-December, the Zavatta Circus, belonging to Jackson Fleury, set up its yellow lorries in Freneuse in an industrial area. The mayor had specifically allowed the set up to be authorised without any wild animals, to correspond to the beliefs of the city council and its electors. The circus had accepted and was able to put on their shows during all of the holidays and more, without big cats on the programme.

Roars as so many cries for help

But three days before leaving, the roaring of the big cats could be heard in the neighbourhood, coming from closed trailers. The town’s Mayoress therefore asked for our help. At the same time, their presence was confirmed by an opening of a metal gate which gave a glimpse of a lioness and a lion...

Social skills in fraud and lies

The police went to visit these places. And conveniently, if we are to believe the circus members, the lorry ‘had just arrived’ when the inspection by the authorities took place. However, a neighbour, who our investigator met yesterday when the circus demonstrated the material, attested to them having been there for several weeks. So the animals had not once been taken out of the trailer in thirty-two days!

The circus members have no respect for the animals that they exploit. For them they are just a source of income. Our non-stop work has allowed an increased awareness for around twenty years. The fact that the circus members prefer to hold them prisoner for several weeks in a row is even more proof that their well-being is the least of their worries!

A complaint filed at the Versailles Legal Tribunal

We are filing a complaint for non-standard operation of an establishment keeping animals of non-domestic species, mistreatment by a professional, and the placing or keeping in a habitat, environment, or facility which may be the cause of suffering.

Translated from the French by Joely Justice