A Rescue Organization Completed a Two-Year Undercover Investigation and Successfully Saved More Than 30 Circus Animals
A two-year undercover investigation helped bring more than 30 circus animals out of brutal conditions and into safety. For Animal Defenders International, the rescue was the result of patience, evidence, and a lot of coordination.
The organization worked in Peru and Colombia to document abuse inside traveling circuses, then pushed for action that would stop wild animals from being used as entertainment. After authorities stepped in, 33 lions and monkeys were rescued and prepared for a long flight to the Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary in South Africa.
That journey was only the beginning, and the animals still had a long road ahead.
The mission in Peru and Colombia was tagged as Operation Spirit of Freedom
33 circus lions were rescued from horrendous conditions
They were all born and raised in captivity
These lions suffered at the hands of human beings. Most of them were missing some teeth and were declawed, which means they will never survive living in the wild.
The rescue effort kept growing as the organization expanded into other Latin American countries.
Soon enough, the freedom project expanded to other Latin American countries
The rescued Guatemalan lions, similar to the Peruvian and Colombian lions, were held at a temporary ADI sanctuary before being flown to South Africa
They were placed in secured cages before the 34-hour flight
Their first layover was in Belgium
It was too cold when the doors opened, so the volunteers placed blankets over the cages to keep the lions and tigers warm
They changed planes in Doha before flying to South Africa
For the animals, this marked a new beginning after everything they had been through.
This also echoes Cholita’s comeback, after a circus bear’s 20-year captivity ended with freedom.
See how Cholita’s first steps out changed everything.
This marks a new beginning for the abused animals
Compared to what they have been through
The drive to the ADI sanctuary lasted just a short while
Their caretakers are also excited to meet and rehabilitate these animals
The tigers and lions were placed in different areas
This is their first taste of freedom
They were no longer restricted to tiny cages where they could barely stand
Here they were freed from any expectations
They do not have to perform to be rewarded
They can walk around and feel safe from any harm
Running is no longer a luxury but a part of their daily lives
They have a long way to go, but this is a great start
Although they can no longer live in the wilderness, they are far from any humans who wish to cause them harm
The organization uploaded a video of the rescue mission in Peru and Colombia:
You can watch the lions go crazy over catnip in this video:
Their journey from Guatemala to a South African sanctuary was definitely worth a watch:
Bolivia, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Mexico, El Salvador, Panama, and now Guatemala are just some of the countries that have banned wild animals from being used by traveling circuses. Thanks to the undying effort and passion of Animal Defenders International, we are one step closer to keeping these animals safe.
A rescue this big does not happen by accident.
Now picture Tarzan and Tanya, former Guatemala circus lions, finally feeling grass under their paws. Read their story here.
Share this article:
