France phasing out wild animals for circus use: Free from captivity

In an wonderful win for wild animals, France is phasing out their use in circuses across the country as well as dolphins and orcas in marine park shows. Finally free from captivity.

NO more lions, tigers and elephants will be seen at travelling circuses as its operators will no longer get new authorisations to detain wild animals.

“[It’s] time that our ancestral fascination with these animals no longer translates into situations where we favour their captivity over their well-being,” stated Barbara Pompili, France’s environment minister.

Calling it a “new era in our relationship with these animals.”

Protestors for animal rights will welcome this as a great step in the right direction, with Peta France, the animal rights organisation, saying that the governments decision was a “historic victory”.

Pompili said that the government would set aside €8 million to help circuses and marine parks and that the progressive phasing out of these practices would change some people’s lives.

The removal of wild animals from the shows would happen immediately as well as any attempts to breed the animals in captivity. Other measures are set to come in at later dates.

Mink farms would be phased out of the country by 2025.

The phasing out process for orcas and dolphins is set to take slightly longer; with orcas no longer being allowed in captivity for shows from 2022 and dolphins no longer being allowed in shows from 2027.

There are currently three dolphinariums in France, according to Pompili, meaning that there phasing out will take slightly longer.

There are only four orcas currently in captivity in France meaning that they could be phased out faster.

She said that “studies showed that the animals had an emotional intelligence and awareness of what was around them as well as a need for social links”.

The announcement has been described as ‘unjust’ by Antibes’ Marineland director Pascal Picot, the only marine park in France with orcas.

Thank you for reading this article “France phasing out wild animals for circus use: Free from captivity”.

Euro Weekly News is delighted to continue be able to bring you a range of News that doesn’t cost you anything but your internet connection. Whether it’s Local Spanish News or International Entertainment News, we’ve got you covered!