Source:
https://scmp.com/lifestyle/travel-leisure/article/2154754/chinese-circus-defends-using-rare-animals-its-acts-despite
Lifestyle/ Travel & Leisure

Chinese circus defends using rare animals in its acts despite poor crowds at shows and constant criticism of its methods

Circuses have a history going back more than 2,500 years in China, but the country also has some of the world’s laxest animal rights laws, and campaigners have long called for tougher regulations to be introduced

Circuses have a history going back more than 2,500 years in China, but the country also has some of the world’s laxest animal rights laws, and campaigners have long called for tougher regulations to be introduced

A crowd of just 10 people watch the endangered Siberian tiger roar on command on his hind legs and jump through hoops inside the big top of the Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe.

Lions and a young bear with a wound on its snout follow, performing tricks for the few who brave the sweltering heat in southern Guangdong province to help keep the travelling circus going for another day.

The use of wild animals in circus shows has come under growing criticism around the world, with some countries banning the practice, but for the Chinese troupe, the beasts are considered a major attraction.

“Many Chinese live in big cities where it’s hard to get out into the wilderness. We bring nature to them,” says Li Weisheng the troupe’s manager.

A Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe trainer rehearses with (from left) a Siberian tiger, a lioness and a lion. Photo: AFP
A Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe trainer rehearses with (from left) a Siberian tiger, a lioness and a lion. Photo: AFP

Circuses have a long history in China. Called “maxi” (pronounced “mah-shi”), and meaning “stunts on a horse”, they have a history going back more than 2,500 years and would often pair acrobatic performances with stunts on galloping horses.

The use of large cats, monkeys and bears is a more recent practice. China has some of the world’s laxest animal rights laws, and campaigners have long called for tougher regulations on the treatment of animals in travelling circuses.

A circus member pushes along a small cage on wheels with a Siberian tiger and a lioness in it. Photo: AFP
A circus member pushes along a small cage on wheels with a Siberian tiger and a lioness in it. Photo: AFP

The two owners of the troupe, Li Rongrong and Li Ruisheng, were arrested in 2016 for illegally transporting rare and endangered animals and sentenced to 10 and eight years in prison, respectively, but were cleared of all charges at a second trial last year.

The troupe’s animals – two African lions, a two-year-old black bear, a pack of dogs and the tiger – spend most of their time in tiny metal cages under a big tent.

Acrobats perform during a Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe show in Dongguan. Photo: AFP
Acrobats perform during a Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe show in Dongguan. Photo: AFP

The animals are a major draw, Li, the manager, says, standing next to the red and white striped tent in the city of Dongguan, although he admits attendance has dropped in recent years.

The tiger and a lioness with a cut tail – both about a year old – share one cage, in which they restlessly pace around each other. A few times a day, they are allowed to play in the circus ring.

A few spectators watch the Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe’s show. Photo: AFP
A few spectators watch the Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe’s show. Photo: AFP

The lone bear grasped the top bars of his cage and swung his body back and forth.

In the past few years, multiple videos have emerged of apparent animal abuse in China, such as a circus tying down a Siberian tiger for audience members to sit on for photos, which sparked widespread outrage.

Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe acrobat Zhu Ming Ming. Photo: AFP
Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe acrobat Zhu Ming Ming. Photo: AFP

Chinese people are increasingly calling for better protection for captive animals. The members of the Chinese Prosperous Nation Circus Troupe, however, say they will do what they have to keep their tradition alive and insist they are working in the interests both of the public and the animals.

“We are helping the public learn more about nature and animals,” says Li.