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Traveling circuses have wowed viewers around the world for over 100 years.
Acrobats, trained elephants, and clown cars are standard fare under the Big Top.
However, animal rights activists have long critiqued acts which use wild animals.
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This month, France’s environmental minister announced a ban preventing wild animals from performing in traveling shows.
Minister Barbara Pompiliwho announced the new rulescited ethical concerns for the welfare of captive wildlife.
Tigers, elephants, lions, and bears usually roam great distances in their wild habitats.
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Circus animals spend long hours in small cages and are sometimes forced to perform when sick.
The new rules will also apply to French marine parks, called dolphinariums.
Breeding of dolphins and captive killer whales must stop.
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Marine animals, like their circus peers, will be housed in wildlife sanctuaries.
These rules are intended to phase in over the next few years.
The minister emphasized a sense of collaboration.
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That transition will be spread over several years, because it will change the lives of many people.
it’s possible for you to also learn more on animal welfarewebsites.
France has announced a ban on using wild animals in traveling circuses.
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Animals will be rehoused in sanctuaries.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom MIKE PRICE/Shutterstock
Circuses will still have human and domestic animal performers.
The government has dedicated millions of euros to retraining wildlife animal workers for new roles.
