The circus is no place for wild animals, and the harsh training and confined living spaces that circus animals are subjected to seem enough to break the spirit of any living being. But fortunately, some working animals—like a lion named Leo in Peru and 32 of his feline colleagues—are rescued from their workplaces and given a second act in life. And it’s heartwarming to see that although the spirits of these beautiful creatures may have been crushed, it sometimes only takes a little love (and in this case Easter presents), to make their spirits roar again.
Leo is a large-hearted ex-circus lion who has suffered enough for one lifetime.
Now that Leo has been treated with love and kindness at the refuge, he’s proven he’s really a kitty at heart.
Leo and the other 32 lions that Animal Defenders International are caring for even received special treats for Easter. The lions got specially made toys with boxes filled with hay, spices, clove water, egg crates and balls of rope, ADI wrote on Facebook.
Next month, all 33 lions will make the journey to Africa’s Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary.
“When we rescued Leo from the circus, he seemed so sad and broken,” ADI wrote on Facebook, “but in ADI’s care, he has absolutely blossomed.”
We hope that the work of ADI and other organizations like it can help bring an end to the use of animals in circuses around the world.
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