Although the German government is preparing to adopt legislation that seeks to ban the cruel and anachronistic exploitation of wild animals, it excludes some of the most relevant species from the legislation, like big cats: “That sounds like an early April Fool’s Joke – but the laughter sticks in my throat. It goes against every logic to exclude tigers, lions and other big cats from this ban! For these animals, circuses mean unimaginable suffering: They are bought and sold, frequently transported in small compartments on trucks, prematurely separated from their mothers and then from companions, confined or chained and forced to stand for hours. Even after generations in captivity, these animals still exhibit their wild, natural behavior – but still have to behave against their own nature. Every attempt to improve the circumstances for wild animals in circuses has failed. A comprehensive ban is therefore absolutely essential. Minister Klöckner, responsible for animal welfare in Germany, has to finally act for the welfare of animals and humans!”