UK's Last Lion Tamer Fights Circus Extinction

Britain's last remaining lion tamer has said he's determined to keep touring the UK – despite increasing opposition from animal rights campaigners, politicians and celebrities.
Thomas Chipperfield's family has been entertaining crowds for generations with big cat shows involving lions and tigers doing tricks on command.

But their summer tour of Wales has been dogged by issues, with protesters picketing almost every venue and using "intimidation tactics" on landowners who rent out their property to the travelling circus.
The Welsh Assembly has also declared it will investigate whether or not to ban the use of wild animals in circuses.
Mr Chipperfield insists his animals are well looked after, and accused animal rights campaigners of spreading lies about his business.

He said: "The opposition to this has existed for a long time but it's only recently that it's gained a significant foothold because of misinformation that's put out and so easily spread.
"Animal rights groups can send out propaganda to thousands of people based on dated and carefully selected footage which has no relevance to myself or others in my line of work."
The travelling show, which has two lions and three tigers, passed inspections to operate in Wales but was refused a licence to operate in England this year.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said the big cat sleeping area was too small, and recommended it to be enlarged.
In response, Mr Chipperfield has started a crowdfunding campaign to raise the cash needed to build a new enclosure ready for next season.
There are only three circuses left in the UK that use wild animals including zebras, camels and pythons.

The last major report into animal welfare in the UK was published in 2007 and found little evidence that the welfare of animals kept in travelling circuses is any better or worse than those in zoos.
The coalition government attempted to ban the practice last year but ran out of time, and the Conservatives say they are still committed to a ban "when parliamentary time allows".
Animal rights groups including RSPCA Wales and the Born Free Foundation have campaigned for a ban, citing evidence that circuses harm wild animals psychologically as well as physically.
Polls suggest that between 60% and 95% of the public want travelling circuses to be stopped.