Many zoos flouting ban nationwide, say activists

Although the ban on circus performances involving animals in State-owned zoos was strengthened last year, a recent survey shows that during the National Day holiday in early October, about 40 percent of the nation's zoos hosted shows that featured animals.

"Animal circuses not only abuse the animals, but also mislead children and young people who watch these shows," said Hu Chunmei of the Nature University, the NGO that conducted the survey.

She expressed sadness and disappointment that 118 of about 295 zoos nationwide hosted animal circuses during the holiday.