November 9, 2005

Re: Whistler Will Not Exploit Exotic Animals

Following a strong protest against proposed exotic animal acts at a bar party, Tourism Whistler has stated that the Bearfoot Bistro will cancel the live animal appearance. A baby lion and three tigers were going to be imprisoned at the Masquerave 10th Aniversary Party on November 11th.

Lifeforce released the following Open Letter to Tourism Whistler:

The hiring of this circus act, Siberian Magic, came as quite a surprise
to Lifeforce especially in view of the majority of enlightened people
being opposed to circus animal acts. Lifeforce has been instrumental in
helping ban such abusive animal acts and the exploitation of exotic
animals. The animals are caged and beaten to perform on cue. They suffer
physically and physiologically.
You told us that there would be a baby lion, 3 tigers and possibly more.
We hope that you will cancel this barbaric practise of taking baby
animals away from their mothers to use in photo gimmicks. We hope that
Tourism Whistler will stand with us against these crimes against nature
and promote viewing wildlife in their natural habitats.

For over a decade Lifeforce has convinced cities, such as Saanich, Victoria and Burnaby, Vancouver, to ban animal acts. Whistler would have taken a step back into the dark ages of animal exploitation if they went ahead with the animal performances. We hope that Whistler will enact a bylaw to stop any future attempts to perpetuate the exotic animal slave trade.

For further information: Peter Hamilton 604-669-4673
http://www.lifeforcefoundation.org/