[AngelinaTheElf]

This is from my contact in India:
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Both CZA and AWBI are working on this mix up.

The AWBI will soon come out with an official statement I am told by the
Secretary as this matter has been tabled before the Board members.

I had earlier written to the Board asking to throw light on the statement of
the secretary.

Also CZA has verbally confirmed with a leading Animal Rights group of India
head that the 'Zoo' order also includes the Circuses as well.

PETA India Mentor, Anuradha Sawhney and CUPA Vice President, Ms. Suparna
Ganguly have also written to the AWBI and CZA in this regard to clear the
confusion.

Ms Brindha Nandakumar of WRRC, Bangalore has written to the AWBI and this is
what she has to say, "Regarding whether the same applies to zoos, I wish to
clarify that the word "ZOO" as defined in Section 2 (39) of the Wild
Life (Protection) Act covers circuses and hence the notification also
applies to circuses.

Section 2 (39): "zoo" means an establishment , whether stationary or
mobile, where captive animals are kept for exhibition to the public (and
includes a circus and rescue centres but does not include an establishment of a licensed dealer in captive animals).

Prior to 2003, circuses were expressly excluded from the definition of zoos
. However by virtue of the amendment to the Wild Life (Protection) Act in
the year 2003, circuses were included in the definition of zoos as per
Amendment 2003.

Hence the Wild life Protection Act and all Rules framed under the WLP Act
pertaining to zoos apply to circuses for all purposes."

It is not only a matter of time before we get the official word on 'Circus'
also being a part of this BAN.
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