My sympathies are with the lions – and the terrified kids watching this unedifying spectacle.
All things considered, I think the trainer gets off lightly.
Full story here
For what reason would people take their kids to see a show like this?
Look out for the lion at the back of the ring. While all the aggression is going on he’s sitting hoping against hope to melt into the background to the extent that he turns his back and sits there on his pedestal, trying hard to ignore it and not get involved.
It’s as though he’s thinking “Uh-oh. This is going to end badly. We’re all going to be in trouble later. I just know it….”
Boadicea's Chariot 
Too squeamish to watch the video, but I read the report. I remember as a child being taken to the zoo and refusing to go any further when I saw a lion in a cage that I thought was too small. I never took my children to the circus or to a ‘caged’ zoo.
And mine … but all the while people are prepared to pay to watch animals ‘performing’ this sort of thing will happen.
These days, such animals can be seen in safar1 parks, living something like a natural existence. What I have heard of the way wild animals are trained to perform in circuses doesn’t encourage me to support their exploitation.
This kind of thing belongs in the past.
Sorry Boa. I was going to put a warning on but didn’t because no blood is evident, although undoubtedly some was spilt.
Funny you should mention zoos – that was my impression of Bristol Zoo when I was quite young; very pretty flower beds but big cats pacing about in horribly cramped conditions. Then along came Animal Magic on TV with Johnny Morris making Bristol Zoo look like lots of fun.
I never took my kids to circuses either. They just outdated and irrelevant. Besides, watching people gyrate high above my head never seemed that entertaining – just stressful!
I agree, David. We’ve come a long way since the Victorian era when such things were novelty entertainments.
I have never been to a circus since I was about 6. They do nothing for me.
I agree that these creatures should be living as nature intended. I cannot fathom the people who part with the cash to see this sort of thing. Perhaps they secretly long for just such an event to occur, Roman colloseum stylee. Whatever the reason, this just isn’t right.
Modern zoos and wildlife parks do a lot to preserve species and educate us. Outfits like the one above do nothing but harm to their reputation. I went to Monkey World in Dorset last year, that place is fantastic. But for the expert care and breeding programs in such facilities, many primates would be extinct. Look at any David Attenboro type prog and the law of the wild is harsh and unforgiving.
Hi Ferret,oh yes, I have nothing against wildlife parks where there are properly set up conservation programmes. Haven’t been to Monkey World but the best I’ve visited was Gerald Durrell’s place on Jersey. Fabulous ape enclosure. Brilliant place. Excellent work done there. Wanted to meet the Great Man but he wasn’t in so had to get a tea towel instead ~:-D
Not a fan of zoos and animals caged and it’s not a nice thing for the kids to see, but I feel there is an element in the crowd who hope to see a bit of blood and gore, we have not evolved that much from the Roman arena as a race.
Anyone who goes to Singapore should visit the Night Safari Park.. it’s fantastic. It is, as the name suggests only open at night. There is a small train (with commentary) to take you around, but if you are super energetic you can walk – it’s large! The ‘enclosures’ are built around the natural ‘dislikes’ of the animals – so the enclosure of animals who do not like to swim are surrounded by water. Those animals that are not likely to wander too far and are not dangerous are free to go where they will – be prepared for the ‘train’ to stop suddenly! The ‘lighting’ reproduces moon light. Fantastic place, and next time I stop over I will go again.
Don’t go to the zoo in Limassol – or Moscow.
True OMG. The veneer of civilization of very thin. I’ve said that lots of times but I do believe it. I recall being shocked to the core by the barbaric atrocities committed on women and children during the siege of Sarajevo.
Thanks Boa. I will bear that in mind and pass on to Hong Kong son and fiancee – who went to school in Singapore so might have heard of it!
Thanks for the warning, Bravo. A little surprised about Limassol..
Crikey.