The audience cheered as this cowed Asiatic black bear was forced to perform tricks. As Britta watched, camera in hand, the trainer kept looking over to her, but it was only after the performance that they confronted her. Happy with what she had captured, Britta ran, proud to have ‘documented this cruel performance to share it with the world’.
In 2010, the Chinese State authorities banned all animal performances at zoos and animal parks, but nearly 40 per cent of attractions still fail to comply. The practice is horrifically cruel with the animals neglected and starved to ensure obedience on stage. Many are captured from the wild, wrenched from their homes to dance for audiences’ pleasure.
Germany/UK
Britta has won numerous international awards and works with authorities, charities and environmental organisations to document crimes against wildlife and nature. Her images are published worldwide in magazines, newspapers and books and exhibited in galleries and museums. When not on assignment, Britta is busy speaking at photo festivals or conservation events with large, international audiences.
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