McLaren Circus defends animal use amid calls for ban: 'They're not confined. They're quite content'

CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit interviews David McLaren, owner of McLaren Circus.

Listen below: 

Over 50 countries have outlawed the use of wild animals for entertainment in circuses, but this practice continues to be legal in South Africa.

Last week, Chad Cupido from Beauty Without Cruelty discussed their 'End the Circus of Cruelty' campaign with Kiewit, a movement aimed at ending the exploitation of animals in circus environments.

READ HERE: Beauty Without Cruelty calls for end to circus animals in SA: How you can help

One such circus that features wild animals, including lions, camels, ponies, and snakes, is the McLaren Circus, which has been in operation for 20 years.

McLaren clarifies that the animals used in their performances are not truly wild, but are instead 'captive-born and bred lions and tigers'.

He says their operations comply with the Performing Animals Protection Act, which is specifically designed to protect animals that are displayed, or exhibited.

"There is no ban, but there is definitely legislation written to protect the animals."

- David McLaren, owner – McLaren Circus

McLaren emphasises that their animals are not confined in cages all day long.

Instead, they live in a specially designed trailer, custom-built to accommodate their needs.

In addition, the animals have access to spacious play areas where they can spend much of their time basking in the sun and engaging in physical activity, ensuring they remain healthy and active.

"They're not confined to a small little area...The animals are just quite content."

- David McLaren, owner – McLaren Circus

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.