Dear John
As you know, circus animals like the lion above lead miserable, deprived lives. The Lions of Lockdown aren't the first lions we've rescued from exploitation, nor will they be the last. Growing up in such conditions means they could never survive alone or live free in the wild. So, with each rescue, comes additional responsibility, and it's wonderful to know you feel as we do. Together, we can provide the next best thing to the wild. |
The
lion brothers gaze forlornly through the rusty wire of their cage, their
majestic heads bowed. Jora and Black are Bulgaria’s last circus lions. The
seven-year-olds should be in their prime. But their tawny coats are matted,
their amber eyes despairing. |
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Thanks
to you, we rescued the brothers in 2015 and brought them to the peaceful utopia
of our sanctuary in South Africa. Here, in their homeland, they have
transformed. Lavished with
loving, expert care, they have recovered their strength and dignity. |
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To break their spirit, abuse of a circus animal can begin
when they’re babies. Animals may be beaten, whipped, shocked with electric
prods and kicked. They travel over long distances in a metal box with no
climate control – eating, sleeping and defecating in the same trailer. |
Another lion, caged in a back yard. Born in a circus, surplus to requirements, sold as a pet. Taken from his mother when just a cub, no wonder Ciam has such anxious eyes. Imagine his frustration, cooped up on his own. |
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Thanks to you, we rescued lonely Ciam in 2017 and also
brought him to our sanctuary. Today that scared cub has grown powerful and
confident, living with his affectionate companion Cersei, the rescued lioness. |
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The circus uses animals as commodities. Stripped of anything
natural, enduring a deprived life filled with stress, fear and boredom.
This is the exploitation YOUR support helps end. Thanks to
YOU berated, abused and betrodden lions can escape their nightmare and find
solace under the African stars. Your gift today will help transform lion lives. |
Four more lions, who you've been following this year, cruelly trained then forced to perform demeaning tricks for noisy crowds – music blaring, lights flashing. Constantly on the move, their ‘home’ a cramped trailer. Yet lions evolved to enjoy vast territories in the African savannah. |
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Thanks to you, we rescued the four Lions of Lockdown and
brought them to our sanctuary this February as part of this appeal. Gradually, they’re absorbing the
tranquillity of their new home; gradually they are transforming into the lions
they should have been. |
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We now care for 15 lions in Shamwari, including our 4 Lions of Lockdown – each
rescued from a horrendous life in a circus, zoo, or pet trade. It costs us £12
a day to care for each one – can you help? Like us, do you believe every lion is an individual, not a
‘thing’ to be dominated and mistreated? If lions make your heart leap and fill
you with awe, then your gift today could genuinely transform a life.
Thank you! From the Born Free team |
Photos © Tony Wiles, Peter Delaney, D Ranzijn, P Nicholls., Tonga Terre d'Accueil |
© 2021 - Born Free Foundation 2nd Floor, Frazer House, 14 Carfax Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1ER
The Born Free Foundation is a registered charity. (Charity Number: 1070906). Registered as a company limited by guarantee (Number 03603432) (England & Wales).
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