Circus no excuse to exploit animals

GUANGZHOU ZOO recently announced its decision to end its 24-year-long circus performance. Yet the manager of the circus company contracted to present the show said his troupe would continue to perform because circus has been listed on the national "intangible cultural heritage" list. Beijing Youth Daily comments:

According to local media reports, Guangzhou Zoo said its contract with the circus company ended on Aug 31, after which it required the company to withdraw its troupe, animals and equipment from the rented venue. The circus company objected to it by citing the "heritage list" in its defense.

If the case drags on, the two sides might end up in court, and the result is predictable. By ending its contract with the circus company, Guangzhou Zoo has heeded the nationwide call to end all shows that include animal performances. Some animal rights activists have already praised Guangzhou Zoo for its decision and vowed to seek an end to all animal shows nationwide.