lifestyle

Sometimes an image speaks louder than any words.

When we spray our perfume we don’t think of them. When we applaud after the magic of a circus show we don’t consider them. And when we stock up on our favourite lipstick colour, we don’t always consider where it’s been tested first.

And that’s exactly what this Public Service Advertising campaign focusing on animal cruelty, does.

Speaking up for those who can’t, each of these powerful images showcases the problems facing our most precious animals. Animals, who are defenceless to what is happening to them.

Until now.

These haunting images need no words or descriptions to get the message across.

Every second a species dies out. And every minute counts.

See more of the powerful images here:

Show your support with your wallets, people.

Top Comments

Sam 10 years ago

I have to say that I'm proud of the fact that even if I did buy an exotic animal souvenir, my country wouldn't let me bring it home.

Black Jacky 10 years ago

Yes me too, very much. This is my line of work, keeping things out that shoudn't be here, and I must say that I am frequently gobsmacked by the things people are happy to spend their money on overseas and try to bring back to Australia. Stopping them bringing them into Australia doesn't stop the practice overseas but hopefully the more people who know that they won't get them into our country will stop Aussie tourists buying them and therefore reduce the demand for souvenirs made from Mother Nature's beautiful creatures.


Guest 10 years ago

Argh this makes me wild! Circus animals are now probably the most cared for animals! Yes, way back when, they were treated badly and gave circus bad names for forcing animals into performing with whips, chains and whet ever else they felt like using to get the animals to put on a show. But today, circus' have changed. I know this because i am in one. The animals are groomed, exercised and loved on a daily dasis. The owners love there pets and love performing with them. It like anyone elses at their own home whether they have a pet dog, cat, duck, horse, cow and more. I am so sick of Circus' now, in 2014, getting the bad name of circus' of the past!

Sam 10 years ago

Some are still that bad. Every been to a circus in Southeast Asia? It's cigar smoking chimps on motorbikes all the way down.

J 10 years ago

People routinely keep lions, seals, chimpanzees etc as pets ? No they don't. The ad campaign is clearly focusing on wild animals not domesticated.

Lauren 10 years ago

Unfortunately, circuses in many parts of the world are still frightfully bad. Speaking in regards to elephants (I run the elephant conservation and welfare organisation www.projectelephant.com.au) they universally suffer at the hands of circuses. Elephants endure some truly horrific training practices in order perform tricks such as spinning hula hoops and doing headstands. Physical punishment is standard, and considering wild elephants walk distances of up to 80km per day, the chained confinement they endure (in spaces as small as a double garage) is hugely detrimental. Thankfully, there are no more elephants performing in circuses in Australia, but there are plenty overseas in places like Thailand and the USA where Australian tourists frequently visit.

Anon 10 years ago

I have also worked in circuses with animals in Australia. I do agree that the animals are generally well cared for. Do the owners love them as pets? I'm not sure. After all, the animals are there to make money, not just for companionship. I did see some incidents that made me uncomfortable, but these were the fault of individual people and not the norm.
I do strongly believe that exotic animals (in Australia, lions and monkeys) do not belong in circuses anymore. They will eventually be phased out by law, whether in one year or twenty years. The circus community are desperately trying to hold on to this tradition, but I think it is inevitable.