Animal Defenders International Delivers Former Circus Baboon to the Safety of New Home

[Judi Lynn]

September 13, 2010 12:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time
Animal Defenders International Delivers Former Circus Baboon to the Safety of New Home

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Tilin, an 18-year-old male Hamadryras baboon, has been passed to Animal Defenders International (ADI) by a Bolivian circus as a direct result of the world’s first ban of animals in circuses, and arrives today at London’s Heathrow Airport heading onward to the monkey sanctuary that he will soon call home. Bob Barker, TV host and respected animal rights activist, provided the financial support needed to give Tilin a new chance at life.

Tilin’s highly anticipated rescue follows this summer’s successful mercy mission for four rescued Bolivian circus lions that were airlifted and rehomed to a California sanctuary, also funded by Mr. Barker. After years of undercover investigations, campaigning and lobbying of the Bolivian Government by ADI, the leading animal welfare organization that works globally for the protection of animals secured the Bolivian government’s landmark ban on both wild and domestic animals in circuses in Bolivia after ADI uncovered systematic abuse and suffering of animals in circuses there.

Jan Creamer, President of Animal Defenders International, said that Tilin’s arrival will bring to a resounding crescendo a perfect storm of campaigning activity that brought about his release. “Tilin’s release and rehoming is the culmination of a targeted political and public awareness campaign by ADI, which included intensive lobbying, face-to-face meetings with politicians and the public, and press conferences,” Creamer said. “Despite his suffering, Tilin has a gentle, kind personality, is highly intelligent and sensitive.

He would normally live in the wild in the deserts of Ethiopia, Egypt, and Somalia in family groups and the ancient Egyptians referred to his kind as the ‘Sacred Baboon.’ “However, poor Tilin has certainly not led a sacred existence up until now, living alone chained up in solitary confinement in a Bolivian circus, where his only companions were the lions in the cage next to him.”

More:
http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20100913006838/en/Animal-Defenders-International-Delivers-Circus-Baboon-Safety

[Judi Lynn]

1. Bolivia To Britain: Abused Baboon's New Life

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.
During his acclimatisation he will be able to hear other primates - and the hope is that eventually Tinlin can form a family group with other baboons.

http://www.capitalfm.com/news-travel/national/bolivia-to-britain-abused-baboons-new-life/