Christmas Rescue For Last Circus Bear In Britain

by ANC Staff and WSPA

The last circus bear in Britain, a 12-year-old American black bear named Fred, was rescued shortly before Christmas by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA). Thanks to a free flight provided by British Airways, Fred has been flown to Canada to begin a new life in comfort and safety.

The 12-year-old American black bear was born in captivity and for the last few years has been confined to a ramshackle enclosure next to an old circus trailer.

For a considerable time, WSPA patiently negotiated with owner Jeffrey Mackie, former proprietor of Circus King, in order to win Fred's release. In December 2003 they finally succeeded.

Fred's rescue and the cost of his upkeep are being funded by WSPA, with assistance from British Airways, which flew Fred to Canada free of charge.

After landing in Toronto, Fred was transferred to the Bear With Us sanctuary in Sprucedale, Ontario where he will spend his days in a naturalized enclosure and will have the opportunity to socialize with other bears once he settles in.

"Fred will have a pond to bathe in, trees to climb and rocks and logs to overturn - all the things he's been missing up until now," said sanctuary operator Mike McIntosh.

"While we can't release him into the wild, we can give him the next best thing," he said.

Fred is not a candidate for release in the wild because he has spent his entire life in captivity and lacks the necessary skills to successfully fend for himself.

"We are delighted at British Airways' support in flying Fred to a better place," said Philip Lymbery, Director of Communications for WSPA. "Sending Fred back home to Canada for Christmas really is a monumental achievement for animal welfare."

Martin George, British Airways' Director of Marketing, commented: "We are happy to be able to send Fred to his new home in time for Christmas. British Airways is very used to carrying animals, from dogs and cats to bears and tigers, so we feel well equipped to take on the challenge."

"We sincerely hope he enjoys his new home," he added.

© 2003 Animal News Center, Inc.