McLaren Circus causes social media controversy ahead of performance in Barberton
A snap pole to determine how Lowvelder's readers felt about the age-old tradition of circuses ignited a heated debate on social media. Read more about it here.
Animal rights activists have reacted strongly to news that the McLaren Circus is set to perform in Barberton this weekend, on August 31 and September 1.
A snap survey on Lowvelder’s Facebook page to gauge how the publication’s readers felt about this age-old form of amusement coming to town ignited a fierce debate. While the majority expressed a strong aversion to animals being used for human entertainment, some defended the circus.
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Charmaine McAllister said: “No animals should be in a circus for human entertainment! Why not get humans jumping through loops, and being whipped into submission? That would be a sight to behold. Ban all circuses! It is not conducive to a happy, normal animal life. Just saying!”
In response, Dawn Hildebrand said: “Charmaine McAllister, they are definitely not whipped into submission! I truly have first-hand experience on how the McLaren Circus treats their animals. They are treated like family! The animals are well sheltered, well fed and loved beyond measure.”
Hildebrand claimed to have driven to various towns this year to watch their performances, as she simply “cannot get enough of their fabulous assortment of entertainment for the audience”. She also claims to have stayed at camp before.
Leanne Harbottle also defended the circus. “Good grief … Has anyone talked to (not at) circus management in a level-headed manner and found out their side of the story or what their future plans are? One cannot just expect these animals to be set free or rewilded. Some of them are old, some exotic and maybe we don’t know their backstories.”
Lowvelder sent detailed questions to McLaren’s spokesperson, Karl Hildebrandt. These are some of the questions he was asked:
- With many countries around the world banning the use of animals in circuses, why is McLaren Circus still using wild and exotic animals such as lions, tigers, pythons and crocodiles?
- Do you have all the required permits in place to perform in Barberton this weekend? If yes, would you mind providing copies?
- Is petting of big cats allowed on your educational tours?
His response, however, failed to directly address these questions and was centred around their mission to provide ‘affordable family entertainment’, adhering to stringent regulations and their deep bond with and the care they provide contributing to ‘their status as South Africa’s most beloved and unique travelling traditional circus’.
READ: McLaren circus addresses community concerns
Amid Karl Hildebrandt accusing her of intimidating people on social media, prohibiting them from commenting freely, Ban Animal Trading’s (BAT) South Africa director, Dr Smaragda Louw, said the issue is not how well animals in captivity are cared for, but that they have no natural desire to be near people.
“Keeping wild animals in captivity and training them for human entertainment is an abomination. Just because something is legal, doesn’t mean it’s right. Slavery and apartheid were also once legal,” she said.
Touching on the keeping of wild animals in captivity in a variety of settings, including zoos, aquariums, circuses and exotic birds kept as pets in cages, SPCA Nelspruit’s Lize Pienaar agreed.
“The SPCA strongly opposes keeping wildlife in captivity. We believe wild animals should be left in their natural environment to live in freedom with others of their own kind. To put wild animals in a cage is to steal their lives from them. It is a prison for life. We are also opposed to using animals for entertainment and exhibition. Animals are living sentient beings and should be treated with respect. Living conditions in these facilities can be good, the animals can be in top condition, but it is just a five-star prison,” she said.
Some of Lowvelder’s readers highlighted the enduring success of Cirque du Soleil that has been operating for years without animals, suggesting McLaren did the same.
Meanwhile, Nicolene Potgieter went straight for the jugular. “Lowvelder, judging from all these comments, I think you have your answer. The animal circus is not welcome here.”
