Tim Phillips (director)
ADI Films (studio)
12a (certificate)
91 minutes (length)
01 October 2014 (released)
07 December 2014
Lion Ark tells a harrowing but uplifting story of the rescue of 25 Lions from eight illegal circuses in Bolivia after the law was changed banning animals for entertainment.
The eventual goal – to transport these magnificent cats 5,000 miles to a new home in Colorado, a mission which seems almost impossible from the outset.
A team from Animal Defenders International (ADI) often had to infiltrate circuses undercover to document the abuse, appalling conditions and lack of food some of the lions received.
With the support of the Bolivian government they were finally able to go into these circuses and confiscate the lions, driving them miles across the country to a make shift location in Santa Cruz.
Lions in their natural habitat thrive in a spacious environment where they are free to play and explore. A stark contrast to how they were being kept in the circuses, often in tiny cages with no stimulation and a serious lack of food. Some paced repeatedly up and down, a sign of psychological damage. Others reacted violently whenever a human approached – they had been conditioned with fear and violence. To the lions, humans represented the enemy, something their rescuers were determined to change.
Viewers were taken on an emotional journey as the team from ADI visited and rescued several circuses. They encountered hostile owners who were reluctant to give up their lions and even the cages they were housed in. One particularly difficult circus manager even threatened to kill all his animals. The ADI it seems, arrived just in time.
The fast paced style for the documentary allowed viewers to feel as if they were right there in on the action. Interviews with all those involved gave us an insight into the often tricky logistics the team had to deal with, engaging government officials, organizing cages and trucks as well as dealing with the unpredictable weather in the rainy season.
At the same time, we were always kept up to date with the plight of the lions, giving us a glimpse into their world both before, during and after the rescue.
The most poignant part of the film was seeing the marked change in the Lions after they had been airlifted to their specially designed Colorado home.
Their dramatic journey to freedom had us gripped along the way. For these 25 lions the story is a happy ending, but Lion Ark stressed that that this is just the beginning, ADI will continue to rescue other animals around the world.
In the 18 months that followed this dramatic rescue, three more countries in South America (Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay) banned the use of wild animals in circuses and two more (Brazil and Colombia) have such legislation before their Congresses.
This documentary showed us how ADI conquered the near impossible. With hard work, perseverance and a strong team. Anything can happen.
Lion Ark continues to play at cinemas in the UK throughout December, with three more dates; in Merseyside (Dec 11th), London (Dec 15th) and Southampton (Dec 17th).