Bolivia To Britain: Abused Baboon's New Life
Tuesday, 14 September 2010 04:06
A circus baboon who has been abused and kept in a small cage for 18 years has arrived in Britain to start a new life.
Tilin is benefiting from a landmark law in Bolivia , which bans the use of animals in circuses.
The law was brought in after secret filming exposed the routine beating of lions, tigers and elephants by trainers to force them to perform.
Like Tinlin, many of the animals were kept in cramped conditions and long periods and were not allowed enough exercise.
Tinlin is now on his way to a monkey sanctuary in Berkshire, where he will be able to mix with other baboons for the first time since he was young.
Jan Creamer of Animal Defenders International told Sky News: "Animals like this don't willingly go in to perform - so they are beaten in order to make them perform. "His life is going to change so much now."
Even as he arrived at Heathrow, Tilin was still repeatedly circling his cage - a habit he developed trying to exercise in such cramped conditions.
He will have to be kept in quarantine for the next six months, but even that will seem luxurious.
http://www.capitalfm.com/news-travel/national/bolivia-to-britain-abused-baboons-new-life/(short video, as well)