THE BATTLE TO EMPTY PERU’S ANIMAL CIRCUSES TURNS IN OUR FAVOR. Ten years ago today, ADI was nine days into the historic Operation Spirit of Freedom to enforce animal circus bans in Peru and Colombia. We had raided three circuses but were meeting fierce opposition and being blocked from removing all the animals. The whole momentum of the rescue would change on this day thanks to a lion called SMITH! That’s him in the first pic at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa and here’s how he changed everything and led to over 100 animals being saved.

It’s the 10th anniversary of the biggest circus rescue ever undertaken as ADI emptied the circus cages of Peru and Colombia. Today we raided the third circus and Rey Cusco happily living at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary these days (first pic) was saved.

TWO MORE LIONS SAVED IN OPERATION SPIRIT OF FREEDOM. These days Simba and Rey are seniors at the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary, South Africa (first pic). However, ten years ago today was the day that transformed their lives forever!

Ten years ago today, ADI raided the first circus in Peru enforcing the country’s ban on animals in circuses. It would be the first of many raids saving over 100 animals and today Leo and his sons Chino, Coco and Rolex were saved. First pic is Chino and Coco in the ADI Wildlife Sanctuary where they live today the others are from Jan and Tim’s phones as a dramatic day unfolded.