|Tigers are part of many circuses, but in the end, they are not pets, they are wild animals.|
Tigers are not only rare, endangered species, they are wild animals that merit life according to their nature. Wild animals like tigers should live and die in the jungle, not in cages. When I realized that wild animals were subjected to harsh, severe treatments to perform in the circus, it made me think more about what circuses meant for tigers and other wild animals, even those whose populations in the wild are not at risk of extinction. For these animals, life in a cage means privation from what is found in their spirits. None of them would choose to live in dependence of people, in a cage, if only their cage doors were left open.
Furthermore, as the video above demonstrates, the circuses which make great presentations in Nicaragua do not treat these animals in any way as they should be treated. Imagine what it might mean to a tiger to be transported in the back of a pickup truck through the city of Managua. As the video shows, the animal became frightened, and his own reaction led to chaos inside the parking lot of Channel 10.
Fortunately, this animal did not harm anyone, nor was he harmed physically in the frightening event. But the video demonstrates what we already know, that tigers are not really appropriate to drive around town in pickup trucks or hang out with people.
|Protestors against the use of wild animals in circuses appeared by the hundreds! Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|The use of wild animals in the circus is still permitted in Nicaragua, but many people actively oppose it. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
Must a circus have wild animals to be fun? Of course not. What if?
The rights of an animal in Nicaragua are only now getting defined, legally. A recently passed law, Ley 747, requires that all domesticated animals be given humane treatment, even animals for consumption such as chickens and cows. The concept of animal welfare is new to Nicaragua, and some practices such as cockfighting and even worse practices are common in the countryside. The law makes a solid first step toward the treatment of domesticated animals, and even provides for animal sacrifice in the case of meat, cockfighting, and circuses. However, what is not clear is what should happen to animals that are clearly not domesticated. Some animals, even when born in captivity, are by nature wild. How should these animals be treated?
|Many people in Nicaragua think circuses should not use wild animals in their performances. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|A circus without animals is possible! Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|The circus had more people demonstrating against it than in paying customers last Saturday. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Many people participated in the protest against the use of animals in the circus. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Some mothers brought their children to demonstrate against the circus, rather than to pay for the use of wild animals in cages. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Drivers and passengers along the Masaya Highway honked in approval as they passed the demonstration. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|There will be protests at the circus every Saturday, until the circus stops using animals or leaves. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Not all children want to see wild animals in cages! Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Creative and fun protest was made pacifically, and the message regarding the use of animals in the circus was heard by many. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Animals are not clowns! Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|We would like to go to the circus, but please without using animals! Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Demonstration against animals in the circus in Managua. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Lots of smiles were seen during the demonstration against animals in the circus. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|The circus was practically empty, with more people outside protesting than paying customers. When will Renato produce a circus without animals? Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Hundreds participated in the demonstration against the Circo de Renato last Saturday. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Many people participated and others waved and honked in approval as they passed. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Drivers, pedestrians and visitors to the circus went on their way with a message regarding the rights of the animals used by the circus. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|How do we get to see circuses without animals? Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|The streets took on a happy aspect as drivers honked in support of the protection of animals. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Cars passed the demonstration, honking in approval. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Renato viewed the demonstration with concern, because few people actually paid to enter the circus last Saturday. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|Another voice in favor of the circus without animals. Photo Ilse Diaz.|
|The treatment of animals has become a topic of much discussion in Nicaragua. Photo Ilse Diaz.|