The Netherlands Has Officially Banned The Use Of Wild Animals In Circuses

September 19, 2015

It is now illegal for wild animals, such as lions, bears, elephants, and giraffes, to be used in circuses in the Netherlands!

wild animals banned in circus netherlands
Credit: shutterstock

On Tuesday, September 15, 2015, a ban on wild animals in circuses officially went into effect in the Netherlands.

Wild animals, such as lions, bears, elephants, and giraffes, will no longer have to endure extensive travel or life in cramped, poorly-laid-out enclosures for the sole purpose of entertaining humans.

As has been shared before, life for an animal in captivity is not at glamorous as it might appear to be in the ring. Oftentimes, circus animals undergo rigorous training (causing mass amounts of stress) and/or abuse inflicted by trainers seeking to instill fear.

Wilde Dieren de Tent Uit, the association of Dutch animal welfare organizations, has spent the last nine years working towards the ban. The association is now offering to help circuses find new, species-appropriate homes for the animals.


feel good videoDogs Are Forced To Wear The Things They Steal — And It’s Hilarious

feel good storiesPeople Are Sharing The Song Lyrics That Instantly Make Them Cry

feel good storiesCat Named ‘Cheddar Big Booty Cheeseburger’ Wins National Contest

feel good storiesHumane Societies Are Saving Feral Cats By Giving Them Jobs

feel good storiesMeet Chonkers - The 2,000-Pound Sea Lion Taking Over San Francisco’s Pier 39

feel good videoThis Dog’s Perfectly Timed Couch Move Is Going Viral During The NFL Draft

feel good videoTexas Fisherman Forms An Unlikely Friendship With A Water Snake Named Big Bertha

feel good videoHave You Ever Seen Spider Beans?

feel good videoAnnual Duck Parade Brings Smiles As Students Help Duck Family Reach Pond

feel good videoHealing With Harmony: Nurse Goes Viral For Singing To Patients After Surgery