One Voice calls on the greatest number of people to mobilize together in support of Jumbo at the Place Igor Stravinsky, near the centre Georges Pompidou in Paris, on Saturday March 23 at 11:30am. On February 25 and 26, the association had planned its seizure of the circus who are exploiting the hippo Jumbo, in collaboration with the State. But this time it had to be cancelled. One Voice remains determined and relies on the justice system to reprogram the seizure of jumbo.
Muriel Arnal, Founding President of One Voice had this to say:
Two attempted seizures of Jumbo made impossible by violent and offensive circus people
On Monday February 25th and on again Tuesday February 26th, two attempts were made to try to seize the Hippopotamus, which had been made possible by the association: investigations, close relations with the courts in the context of the two ongoing complaints, a temporary place in a partner association’s park for this operation, rental of trucks to tow the trailer, sanctuary ... everything was ready.
After the decision of finding the circus responsible of certain offences on Monday morning, the go ahead for the seizure was confirmed but could not take place. Jumbo is found outside of his trailer and, being worried, charges one of the agents.
The seizure of Jumbo is reprogrammed for the next day. At 7:30 am, the agents stand around the trailer. Again, it is made impossible: the Muller family screams, hits, threatens, one of the men who tries to open the trailer to get Jumbo out, the same behaviour as the day before; another comes running a pitchfork in his hand; a third takes the wheel of a truck and drives dangerously at high speed to block access to the trailer.
To avoid injuries or worse on both sides, the authorities cancel the seizure.
The actions of One Voice
One Voice is shocked by the circus's behaviour. While waiting for the programming of a new seizure of Jumbo, One Voice organizes a rally in Paris at the Place Igor Stravinski, near the Centre of Georges Pompidou, on Saturday March 23 at 11:30am.
