Twenty circus animals were rescued yesterday by the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, Profepa, at the Xmatkuil fair grounds.
Profepa found seven camels, six Bengal tigers and seven baboons, left without food or water. Some had scars and untreated skin diseases and were underweight. Three male baboons had a severe case of rickets.
The specimens were rescued and secured by Profepa staff with help from the El Centenario zoo.
Note that all insured institutions are considered exotic and handling of specimens and populations of this type is regulated by the General Wildlife Act, which provides that the operation can only be carried out in conditions of confinement to ensure security civil society and the dignified and respectful treatment of animals.
Profepa urged circuses to comply with a circus animal ban that will be enforced beginning July 8.
