In 2009, Bolivia set a shining example to the world in banning the use of animals in circuses. 

The past month has seen the ban being decisively enforced, and Animal Defenders International has been able to rescue an incredible 24 lions from circuses across Bolivia, and make plans to bring them to a new home in a sanctuary in the U.S. to live out their lives in freedom.

Following what the ADI team calls ‘Operation Lion Ark’, in which all 24 lions will be airlifted to their new home, the group will carry out its pledge to continue supporting the lions’ care for the duration of their lives.

But in the U.S., animals still languish in traveling circuses.

An ADI investigation of the U.S. circus industry has exposed confinement, deprivation, lax safety standards and cases of severe violence to animals.

The findings of the investigation included sickening violence inflicted on two female elephants, Krissy and Queenie (Boo), who were electric shocked during training sessions and when being moved to the ring to perform. Krissy was beaten, dragged to the ground and kicked in the face.  

Given the circumstances of constant travel, limited facilities and pressure to make animals do things that they are unwilling to do, suffering and sometimes abuse is inevitable in U.S. traveling circuses. 

No one is saying end circuses. Rather, let’s take animals out of circuses and let humans do the entertaining.

For more information on 'Operation Lion Ark', visit http://www.SaveTheLionsAppeal.com

For more information on ADI's campaign to Stop Circus Suffering, visit http://www.adiusa.org