The lions escaped by jumping through the open door.
Heartbreaking footage has emerged from China showing two circus lions escaping their enclosure during a live performance, causing panic among spectators. Many people present at the venue fled in terror as the lion jumped out of an open door last week. Global Times reported that trainers and breeders were able to capture the big cats within a short period of time and the circus was ordered to suspend its operations. No one was reported injured in the incident.
watch the video:
Luoyang, Henan, China
everything went wrong!
It is clear that these animals do not want to do such stupid things. Leave the animals alone and let them live their lives in peace.
I think these lions look skinny. How are they punished now? beating and starving?#animal crueltypic.twitter.com/ypkV4HNx7c
— We Are Not Food (@WeAreNotFood) April 16, 2023
Screams were heard from the audience in Luoyang, Henan province, as people grabbed their children and fled the venue.
an eyewitness told Global Times The door of the ring was not closed properly, due to which the lions escaped.
Circus animals were later seen wandering outside the circus, prompting people to run in all directions, according to the outlet.
The lions were captured and brought back to the cage.
The circus has not officially commented on how the lions escaped but a police investigation has been launched.
The video went viral on social media and drew angry reactions, especially from animal rights activists.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals stated, “We do not believe that animals should be subjected to the conditions of circus life. This is due to the frequent travel, cramped transport, small temporary housing, forced training and performances.” , a UK-based animal welfare charity.
It added, “Loud noises and crowds of people are often disturbing or intimidating to animal exhibits.”
Lions are the second largest wild cats in the world, almost every species of which comes from Africa and some from western India.