Iran Registered in the List of Countries Without Animal Circuses

Iran has been registered in the list of countries without animal circuses in the world, and the last remaining animals from these circuses are awaiting resolution. The news agency 'Tasnim' reported this on Sunday (April 15) citing Shadi Modarres, a wildlife activist, who announced that Iran's name has been added to this list since the beginning of this year. Modarres stated that the removal of animals from Iranian circuses is the result of the efforts of the 'Working Group for the Removal of Animals from Circuses' in collaboration with the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the Environmental Protection Organization. According to Modarres, this working group began its activities in 2014 and despite 'many tensions,' it was able to achieve a 'good and peaceful' result from its efforts. She also mentioned that the support of the Environmental Fraction of the Parliament for the removal of animals from circuses was one of the most important factors for the success of this working group. Modarres indicated that as a result of the efforts of this group over the past two years, many animals have been transferred from circuses to the Environmental Protection Organization. She stated, 'The highest number of wildlife species {transferred} belonged to the Champion Circus, which in the summer of 2014 had 84 non-domesticated animals, including 29 African lions, two black bears, and four brown bears.' Modarres also added that the management of the 'Champion Circus' voluntarily withdrew from displaying animals in its programs since March of last year. Regarding the last remaining wildlife in circus cages, she said, 'Currently, only seven Bengal tigers belonging to the Eagle Circus are waiting for a suitable place to continue their lives.' The Khalil Tarighat-Peyma Circus (known as Khalil Eagle) is also one of the famous circuses in Iran that began its activities in the 1990s and decided to perform its shows without animals starting from this Nowruz (Persian New Year). This decision was made after Amir Hossein Dadashi, the director of the Office for the Protection and Management of Hunting and Fishing at the Environmental Protection Organization, announced a ban on the use of animals in circuses last year. Mr. Dadashi stated, 'From now on, no permits will be issued for the use of wildlife in circuses by the organization, and from the organization's perspective, the use of wild animals in circus performances is ruled out.' This official also announced that the two circuses, Champion and Eagle, were given a two-year opportunity to completely remove wildlife from their shows due to greater investment in animals.