By ANNE BESTON
One of this country's last performing chimps is on his way to a new home in Africa as New Zealand's best-known circus man makes a stand against using exotic animals for show.
Circus Magic owner Cary Ridgway, whose family have run circuses in Australasia for 150 years, has agreed
to give 12-year-old Sonny to a Zambian chimp sanctuary after long negotiations with animals rights group Safe.
Mr Ridgway said Circus Magic's shows now used only domestic dogs and ponies.
"I've never really supported the use of animals like lions and elephants, but I inherited those animals because the family had one of the biggest travelling zoos in the world," he said.
"Sonny is the last in the line. The world is changing, especially in the past four to five years, and what was acceptable in the 1970s is not acceptable now."
Safe spokesman Gary Reese said circus owners worldwide were under mounting pressure to stop using wild animals in their shows, and Sonny's release was another step in the right direction.
Tough new animal welfare regulations being considered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry would make it even more difficult for circus owners.
"We believe exotic animals will be banned from circuses," he said.
"It's only a matter of time."
Sonny's brother, Buddy, was taken to the Chimfunshi sanctuary after a fundraising campaign by Safe early this year. Sonny will join him there next month.
"It's really going to be fantastic for him," Mr Reese said. "Reuniting the two is an incredible achievement."
It would cost about $40,000 to get Sonny to Chimfunshi. Mr Ridgway and Mr Reese would travel with him.
Mr Reese said if people wanted to make a donation, they could call 0800 SAVE US (0800 728-387).
The last circus chimp in New Zealand is Sonny's other brother, Mr Muggins, who is with Mr Ridgway's brother's circus. Safe continues to fight for his release.
