In European circuses tigers and lions are among the most frequently carried wild animals. Acquired from breeders as cubs, separated from their mothers at birth to establish dependency on their trainer for food and taught to perform unphysiological movements, such as walking on their hind legs.
Manuschka the lioness is a product of this system. Born in a facility in France and sold to the Quaiser circus in Germany her life consisted of travelling by truck from town to town in northern Germany, waiting in a crate, let out to perform, returned to the crate to wait for food and then on to the next town. Quaiser is a family circus dating back to the 1800’s and while many countries have restrictions or bans in place, it is still legal in Germany to keep wild animals in circuses.
But after her only companion, the other lion in the act, passed away the Quaiser family agreed to give her up. They contacted the FOUR PAWS organization and voluntarily surrendered her and agreed to stop using big cats in their Circus.
On the morning of July 10th, the FOUR PAWS team met at the circus loaded her into a transport truck and after a 4-hour transfer, arrived at the TIERART Sanctuary in Germany where she where she stayed for three months pending the completion of a new enclosure at her permanent home in Netherlands.
On Nov 14th after a 7-hour journey, Manuschka arrived at FELIDA Big Cat Sanctuary in the Netherlands. After 5 years of performing tricks under circus lights she is now in her forever home.
Early signs of acclimation are very encouraging. She explores the expanse of her new enclosure and is beginning to realize she no longer has the obligation to perform and can run, play or rest as she wishes. The next stage is to introduce her to other rescued lions. We hope Manuschka can socialize and spend the rest of her life among lions.
Tigers in America® was happy to provide financial assistance to get Manuschka home. TIA and Manuschka would like to thank our donors who made all this possible.