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 stories5 Genuinely Wholesome Things Happening on Video Calls Right Now

feel good storiesA Dad Keeps a Running List of Every Dog He Meets on His Beach Walks

feel good storiesMiles Don't Have to Separate Us; You Just Need to Use Technology!

feel good storiesAfter Losing His Right Arm, His Cousin Spent 48 Hours Crocheting Him a New One

feel good videoMissing Toddler Walks 7 Miles Into Wilderness, Then a Dog He'd Never Met Finds Him

feel good videoGolden Retriever Brings Toys to a Man Breaking Into His Home

feel good videoRescue Dog Reaches Out Paw to Pray With Priest During Church Service

feel good videoDad and Daughter Pilots Recognize Each Other on the Radio, and It Gets Hilarious

feel good videoShelter Dogs Pick Their Favorite Toys, and Their Reactions Are Priceless