Various European countries are introducing stricter rules regarding the keeping of wild animals in circuses or as pets. Consequently, a growing number of big cats, such as lions and tigers, need to be relocated. However, shelters are overcrowded and have limited resources. This means that animals are often forced to remain in poor conditions for years. In France alone, around 200 circus animals are currently awaiting rehoming.
The pressure on shelters has increased further since the war in Ukraine due to an additional influx of abandoned lions and tigers from the conflict zone. Meanwhile, there seems to be little willingness at the European level to find a coordinated solution to this urgent issue. There is a significant lack of data on the scale of the housing crisis, meaning there is little insight into how to tackle it. Zoos are also reluctant to take in rescued animals that do not fit their breeding programmes.
This story explores how animals get caught between legislation and reality.
Photo credit: Eric de Mildt
