Reneé from Nelspruit writes:
In response to the two articles in Lowvelder dated 30 August 2013, regarding McLaren’s circus that came to town.
I also feel the same way about circusses and animals in circusses, but have two young children who begged me to go to the circus so I gave in and took them to experience all the fun and games.
I was very surprised and impressed at the condition of their animals. They seemed fat and healthy and the animal acts were kept short so the animals were not tired out. The first act was the lions and tigers which, from what I remember as a child, were always kept for last. They did their short act and left the ring where one of the older males seemed to not want to even leave the ring. He actually looked as though he was quite happy to just sit there the whole night and watch all of us.
My children enjoyed the show and will most likely remember it for the rest of their lives.
I read up on McLaren’s Circus afterwards and learnt that the lions and tigers were all bred in captivity and raised by the same keeper. They also get to see veterinarians all over South Africa where ever they travel to make sure that all animals are healthy. They are fed only the best grade food and always have fresh water available. I could definitely see that these animals were in very good shape and very well looked after.
I am not a front runner for any circus but will definitely say that MacLaren circus animals are in good hands and receive much love.
