The Tiniest Tiger: Cats Big and Small,

Posts Tagged ‘Big top’

Performing Lions and Tigers Escape the UK Circuses

February 20, 2013 | Author Joanne McGonagle

Circuses End Performing Lions and Tigers in the United Kingdom

Gracey, The Tiniest Tiger reminding us to not allow big cats to be confined in circus wagons.

Big changes are underway under the Big Top in the United Kingdom. Traveling circuses have started their season but for the first time no circus will be entertaining the crowd with performing big cats. The Great British Circus was the last show to feature tigers doing tricks and they sent their cats to an operator in Ireland just in time before the new animal welfare regulations became active last month.

The Victorian era ushered in circuses with performing elephants, lions and tigers on tour. The last time the circuses toured without exotic animals was around 1768 when the first modern circus entertained the spectators with horses and riders performing daring feats. Wild animals did not debut in the circus until after the British empire expanded in the 19th century. Wild animals were captured and brought back to be put on display at a time when the average person had little chance of seeing a live lion, tiger or elephant let alone watch them performing tricks.

Over the last couple hundred years, our world is a very different place. We have access to learning about and seeing lions, tigers and elephants from many sources, whether that be a zoological park, a sanctuary, learning via the internet or nature programs on television. We also know more about the big cats that share our world and most people are concerned about how they are treated and find physical abuse unacceptable in modern society.

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Posted in African lions, Joanne's Blog, Tigers |

Tags: Animal welfare, Big cat, Big top, British Empire, circus, Lions, Maya Angelou, performing animals, Tigers, United Kingdom |

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Top 5 Halloween Costumes for Cats by Bossy Backyard Blue Jay

October 7, 2011 | Author Bossy Backyard Blue Jay

Recently Bossy Backyard Blue Jay came to visit me in the Sun Room to turn in his bird food inventory request list for me to give to my parents. As the weather turns cold, our bird friends rely on us to fill their feeders with all kinds of treats including, sunflower seeds, peanuts, suet cakes, cracked corn and more.

Well when the birds are more dependent upon the feeders, something else happens. Our outdoor cat cousins start to go on the prowl. My little feathered friend wanted me to remind all of you to keep an eye on the cats that share your habitat.

Bossy Backyard Blue Jay mentioned that it is already October and that means we are fast approaching Halloween! Many of our human and canine friends wear costumes to celebrate Trick or Treat night but most felines, myself included are reluctant to don apparel whether for Halloween or for any occasion. I especially do not like anything that restricts my ear movement. ~shiver~ I can’t hardly stand to think about it. In any case, Bossy Backyard Blue Jay told me he had come up with a list of what he considers to be both creative and outstanding ideas for cat costumes this Halloween season. He asked me if he could guest post again on our Conservation Cub Club and I obliged. Remember, his opinions are not my own. I asked him to narrow his bird brain ideas, I mean his clever costume list to the top 5. Without further adieu, here is his list.