Opposing Feld Entertainment’s Tiger Export
Animal Legal Defense Fund objects to Feld Entertainment being granted an ESA permit in 2017
The Animal Legal Defense Fund objects to granting Feld Entertainment a permit to export big cats to Germany.
Status
Next Step
Case Closed
In March 2017, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) pre-published notice that Feld Entertainment, the multi-billion dollar parent corporation of the shuttered Ringling Bros. Circus, was applying for an Endangered Species Act permit to export several retired circus tigers, lions, and a leopard, to an individual in Germany who intended to use them in a German circus.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund, along with PETA and the Animal Rights Foundation of Florida, strongly opposed Ringling’s application, when there were bona fide sanctuaries available in the United States that could provide a naturalistic environment and appropriate care for these retired tigers.
Our comment also pointed out the application failed to provide appropriate information regarding the method of the export and, in particular, what efforts would be taken to ensure the safety of the tigers, lions, and leopards during the process.
Notwithstanding the many valid points raised by our opposition comment letter, in August 2017, FWS granted Feld Entertainment’s permits. Sadly, during the export process, one of the tigers covered under the permit — named Suzy — escaped from a transport truck outside Atlanta, Georgia, while en route to the Memphis International Airport. Suzy was killed by police.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund continues to fight for stronger legal protections for captive wild animals, and better enforcement of those actions.
Recent News
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Tentative Settlement Reached in Texas Endangered Species Act Lawsuit
The Animal Legal Defense Fund and National Foundation for Rescued Animals, an animal exhibitor doing business as Tiger Creek Animal Sanctuary, have tentatively reached a settlement, pending the dismissal of the Endangered Species Act lawsuit filed in March 2022.February 28, 2024 Press Release -
Big Cat Public Safety Act Passes the U.S. Senate in Victory for Animals
The bill helps end the rampant abuse of tigers and other big cats in captivity by banning private possessionDecember 6, 2022 Press Release -
Endangered Species Act Rollbacks Reversed After Animal Legal Defense Fund Lawsuit
U.S. District Court has ruled in favor of the Animal Legal Defense Fund following its lawsuit to vacate rules imposed by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2019 under the Trump administration that weakened the Endangered Species Act (ESA).July 8, 2022 Press Release
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