Lion cubs Spike and Spot spared from circus cruelty!

Lion cubs Spike and Spot spared from circus cruelty!

23 February 2012 Have your say

Thanks to everyone who supported Animals Australia’s campaign to save lion cubs Spike and Spot from life in a travelling circus. The planned transfer of the young animals from Darling Downs Zoo to the circus hasn't taken place and it seems the cubs are staying put for now.


We have received feedback that the owners of Darling Downs Zoo reconsidered their plans after pressure from the media, the Zoo and Aquarium Association and the thousands of emails from concerned members of the public. This is very good news for the cubs and we applaud Darling Downs Zoo for taking the community's views seriously.

Spike and Spot are two of four lion cubs that were born in Darling Downs Zoo in October 2011. If the zoo had sent them to a circus, they would have spent the rest of their lives (potentially 20+ years) on the road in a small, barren enclosure with no opportunity to express their natural behaviour.

The voices of Animals Australia supporters played a critical role in helping to save these cubs from the cruelty of circus life. Thank you! We will be keeping a close watch on these cubs to ensure this decision by Darling Downs Zoo is final.

Meanwhile, you can help to save other animals from the misery of life in a circus by pledging to say no to animal circuses.

Post a commentYour Say: 101 comments

Sort by Most Recent or Most liked
MARÍA ISABEL Ruiz Moreno: Cachorros de león Spike y al contado a salvo de la crueldad del circo!!! Sunday, 1 April 2012 at 10:26am
Bien hecho Animal Australia!!! Gracias por todo lo que estamos haciendo por los animales!!! Saludos desde Corrientes (Argentina)
Report this
Maryam: loin cubs in circus Tuesday, 20 March 2012 at 6:20am
I dont like see animals in circus even lion cubs. I like to see animals free
Report this
Show 1 reply
Sally Lawrence: THANK GOODNESS Sunday, 18 March 2012 at 10:13am
This is good news.  I wonder if AA is able to divulge which circus is potentially involved?  Is it Lennon Brothers or Stardust, or is it an overseas circus?
I saw poor Nero, one of Stardust's former circus lions, now stuffed and mounted being carted around as a promotional prop.  No rest in peace even in death for poor Nero.  It was the Gold Coast Show that permitted poor Nero to be displayed like this.
Report this
Jane Lewis: congratulations Friday, 16 March 2012 at 11:58am
way to go everyone who did something about this .
Thank you and congratulations to ANIMALS AUSTRALIA.
GOOD PEOPLE OUT THERE !
Report this
Jenny A: Why cant we move forward Friday, 16 March 2012 at 9:11am
It is well overdue that, as so called "caretakers", we respect all life on the planet, and do all that we can to help all species live as nature intended them to and not for our entertainment.  Animals should be "NOT FOR PROFIT" but it is a sad fact that we haven't moved forward at all as we are continuing to use them for these outdated and undignified practices.  All creatures have feelings and it seems as if our particular species is the one that doesnt!  Isn't it enough that so many animals have so often gone through hell and given their lives for us to progress medical research?  And then we thank them in so many rotten ways.
Report this
Show 1 reply
Deb Kemp: Spot and Spike Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 11:43pm
Why would Darling Downs Zoo allow these cubs to be born if they didn't want them and were going to be sent to a circus?  Thankfully they have seen the light and if they are to keep them the bubs will be properly cared for for life.
Report this
ROBERT GLISENTI: Yesterdays clowns Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 10:13pm
To those who live and think that animal circuses are still  todays form of people entertainment  in this 21st century  i can only imagine that you must be a hundred years old or something ,carrying on a tradition out of the dark ages. The day and age of traveling clowns like your selves and coloured tents in the local park are gone ,get real and accept that todays people are awake to the cruelty and harm done to animals by sick minded humans. Why dont you all go away and accept that you are all dinosaures . Bless all the worlds animals  , they are better than us and deserve all the help we can give them. Thank you to all animal lovers and supporters , those that cannot speak and defend them selves need our help and we must never fail them . It breaks my heart to look into the eyes of these beautiful creatures and see them in fear and terror because of our evil ways . May the two lion cubs live in peace and harmony  and
thank you Animal Australia ,keep up the good work , ill support you all the way. Now back to the company of my feathered and furry friends .
Robert .
Report this
Show 2 replies
Colin: Free the lions Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 8:13pm
It is a relief that these poor cubs will not be going to a circus, but what about zoos. Why are they still allowed to keep animals. These cubs should be set free immediately.
Report this
tele: wonderful work AA Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 7:01pm
I  wish i could save every single animal in the world that is getting treated cruelly, however it would take a miracle for that to happen!!!
keep up the wonderful work animal Australia, i am so happy and glad that spike and spot are now safe and that they are not with those heartless people!!! i cannot believe how they can treat such innocent animals in such a hideous way, it sickens me.
Report this
Show 1 reply
Tim: Not in this Day & Age Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 6:52pm
We all recognise that in 2012 for this to continue is Pathetic!!!           No more Animal Circuses, Enough IS Enough.
Report this
Nataliya: Do not go to the circus Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 6:21pm
I do not like circus, because there are people torchured animals. I sepport this:
"Don't ever go to a circus, as this is what keeps these animals in these conditions. "
Report this
Heather: Animals don't belong in the circus Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 11:01am
I strongly beleive that animals don't belong in the circus and I'm glad these two cubs didn't end up there.
There is so much cruelty going on around the world. It's disgusting that it's even allowed. I feel like I'm one in a million when it comes to my views. We need to continue to speak up and loudly!
Report this
Show 3 replies
Margaret Funnell: Keep up the good work. Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 2:55am
I was so happy to read the good news about Animals Australia putting an end to the wicked,cowardly treatment  of the lion cubs as well as other circus animals. Now all circuses must be informed that to use animals again it will mean that their circus will be closed down immediately and they will also have to pay a hefty fine ,
Surely,cruelty to both children and animals should be abhorred by all human beings.
Report this
cecily: circus Thursday, 15 March 2012 at 1:02am
Don't ever go to a circus, as this is what keeps these animals in these conditions.
Report this
Kurt Amsler: Thank YOU !! Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 8:40pm
Well done Animal Australia  !!    Thank you for all you're doing for animals....
Regards from Switzerland
Report this
Penelopa: It is not enough Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 7:38pm
It is a very good news they will not belong to a circus. I don't like animals in circus.
I think Spike and Spot deserve a better life ...may be a sanctuary or  similar. God bless all people who fight for animals' welfare and all animals wherever they are.
Report this
Victoria: YAY! Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 4:52pm
I am so happy that they will be free! Lets hope this happens more often!
Report this
Show 1 reply
Giulia Togliatto: Spot Spike Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 4:45pm
Well done Animal Australia. Another two animals live"s you have changed for the better.
Naturally everyone else can give themselves a big pat on the shoulders as we all stuck together and sent letters of complaint.

These animals counted on us and we delivered- I for one am bloody proud.
Report this
Emma Bregazzi: Yay! Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 2:45pm
One small step :)
Report this
Rachel Marett: Zoos Wednesday, 14 March 2012 at 2:02pm
I am amazed that any zoo would even contemplate handing their animals to a circus.  Zoos are normally concerened with preservation of species & usually go to great lengths to ensure that the enclosures are spacious, appropriate and offer mental and physical stimulation.  I am concerned that a zoo would consider this.
Report this
Show 2 replies
« Older comments
Post a message Your name:
Message title:
Your message:


By posting a comment here you agree to the community guidelines.
Post Message
JOIN Animals Australia TAKE ACTION! Donate Now!
Upcoming Events
Go Shopping

more

50 pack Bobby Calf flyers 50 pack Bobby Calf flyers

Registered Charity No. A0020071Z

Print Page | Privacy Policy | RSS | Sitemap | Contact Us