Lion Ark

Co-founder and President of international animal protection group Animal Defenders International (ADI) Jan Creamer is one of 100 visionaries nominated by the Albert Einstein Foundation to mark 100 years of Einstein’s theory of relativity. The “world’s greatest minds” will present their visions of the future in the world’s first 3D-printed book Genius.

The visionaries joining Jan for Genius: 100 Visions of the Future, to be presented in Montreal on 10 September, include director Sir Ridley Scott, former Israeli Prime Minister Shimon Peres, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, Barbara Streisand, former commander of the international space station Colonel Chris Hadfield, author Salman Rushdie, Nobel laureates, billionaire entrepreneurs and spiritual leaders.

This global project honors the life and legacy of Albert Einstein, recognizes living visionaries, and seeks to “inspire the next generation of brilliant minds on the planet.” Jan will also be addressing the Einstein Youth Forum: “Inspiring the Future” on September 8th in Montreal.

Jan founded ADI in 1990, and has led from the front, whether it is going toe to toe with circus owners refusing to hand over animals, writing reports, operating undercover in animal laboratories, factory farms, animal dealers, slaughterhouses and circuses, spearheading prosecutions, or addressing national legislators and governments.

Although a small group in terms of resources and personnel, ADI is increasingly seen as one of the most effective animal rights groups in the world. Jan leads a highly committed team of researchers and investigators who gather evidence inside industries such as circuses, animal laboratories, fur farms, and produce studies. Followed by sustained campaigns, the results are sweeping the globe.

ADI’s campaigns have resulted in legislation banning animal circus acts in nearly 40 countries; the closure of establishments caught abusing animals; cruelty convictions for circus owners; an EU ban on wild caught primates or their offspring being used in experiments; bans on the use of animals in cosmetics testing in UK and Europe; restrictions over 180 countries on cross-border movements of endangered species in traveling exhibitions.

ADI’s successful approach includes addressing economic, social, and employment issues; providing solutions such as funding technology to replace animals in experiments; working at multiple levels and across cultures and peoples.

When Bolivia and Peru banned animals in circuses, ADI stepped in to enforce the law, tracking down and raiding all the circuses that broke the law in both countries and rescuing and relocating almost 200 animals – the largest operations of their kind undertaken.

Last year, ADI flew over 30 lions rescued from circuses in Peru and Colombia home to Africa, whilst over 50 indigenous wild animals including six different species of monkey and bears were homed in ADI sanctuary facilities in the Amazon.

The ADI founders were recently presented with The Drury University Forum on Animal Rights Bob Barker Award for Extraordinary Achievement for Animal Rights. Legendary TV presenter and philanthropist, Bob Barker, who has funded some of ADI’s most important life-saving work, said, “I am proud to be on ADI’s list of donors! In my opinion Animal Defenders International is one of the world’s most productive animal protection organizations.”

Lion Ark movie Canadian Premiere, Toronto, 7pm, Wednesday 13th Sept. Multi-award winning documentary Lion Ark, charting the rescue of 25 lions from circuses in Bolivia screens at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto. Described by critics as “the feel-good movie of the year” and “unmissable”, the film will be followed by a Q&A with ADI founders Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips. Book tickets here!

To support Animal Defenders International’s life-saving work, please donate here.

Lion Ark is the award-winning documentary that tells the story of how Bolivia banned the use of animals circuses, the circuses defied the law, but ADI tracked them down, raiding one after the other until every animal was saved. You are transported to the heart of the action, up close and personal with the animals and find yourself cheering the lions.

Do not miss out as Lion Ark finally lands in Canada. ADI’s Rescue Team leaders Jan Creamer and Tim Phillips will be presenting Lion Ark followed by a Q&A at Innis Town Hall, University of Toronto on Wednesday 13th September at 7:00pm. There’ll also be slides and footage from ADI’s most recent rescues.

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Join us, leave the film with a smile and feel inspired that we can change the world for animals.

This is a great opportunity to see the multi-award winning film on a big screen, to get an insight into the massive rescue in Peru, meet the people behind this work AND help animals! A feel-good and empowering film – a great night out.

ADI’s multi award-winning movie Lion Ark continues to tour Italy as part of the campaign with LAV to secure a ban on wild animals in circuses. On August 5th 2017, Lion Ark screened in Grosseto, Tuscany, showing visitors to the Festival of Life how the lives of animals in circuses are transformed once freed from their cages and chains.

Proposals to phase out wild animal acts have already passed the Italian Senate Culture Committee, the first of four parliamentary hurdles to overcome. If the legislation is passed, Italy would join the growing number of countries, nearly 40 to date, taking action to stop circus suffering.

Learn more about the Stop Circus Suffering campaign »

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The multi award-winning film Lion Ark, charting the Animal Defenders International (ADI) rescue operation to enforce legislation banning animal circus acts in Bolivia, will screen at Cinema Massimo for the CinemAmbiente 20th Environmental Film Festival in Turin on Saturday 3 June 2017 at 5.45pm.

The screening is a special hour-long Italian version of the film, followed by a panel discussion with ADI, LAV and contemporary circus Festival Mirabilia.

No booking is required.

Lion Ark is being shown in Italy as part of a campaign to ban wild animal acts nationwide. Current legislation governing animal circuses in Italy dates back to 1968 and is out of step with public and expert opinion. Proposals by the government to phase out animal circus acts would, if passed, see Italy join 18 European countries, and 35 around the world, with restrictions in place.

Lion Ark premiered at the Italian Senate in March, concluding a special workshop in support of the government proposals and hosted by the Italian animal group LAV in association with ADI.

CinemAmbiente is the 20th film festival to have selected Lion Ark; the film has acquired 11 awards, including a nomination at the prestigious 45th NAACP Image Awards.

Watch the trailer!

Buy on DVD (full English version)!

The award-winning film Lion Ark, charting the Animal Defenders International (ADI) rescue operation to enforce legislation banning animal circuses in Bolivia, will premiere in Poland at a series of public screenings across the country organised by Fundacja Viva! – Akcja dla Zwierząt (Viva! Action for Animals Foundation) and the Polish Animal-Free Circus Coalition.

Lion Ark is more action adventure than traditional documentary. The critically acclaimed film follows the story of how a shocking exposé led to Bolivia banning animal circuses. Circuses defy the law but are tracked down by ADI, animals saved and a joyous finale sees 25 lions airlifted to freedom.

Current legislation in Poland restricts the use of wild-born animals nationwide, and dozens of local authorities prohibit the use of animals in circuses on public land. ADI is teaming up with Fundacja Viva! – Akcja dla Zwierząt and the Polish Animal-Free Circus Coalition to urge the government to extend its legislation and prohibit animals in circuses in line with other European countries including Austria, Croatia, Greece, Malta, Norway, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

ADI’s case studies over the past twenty years have concluded that given the constant travel, the need for animal accommodation to be small, lightweight and mobile, circuses cannot provide the animals with the space and environment they need to maintain physical and psychological health. Welfare is always compromised.

The epic Operation Spirit of Freedom, their most recent mission, saw ADI rescue over 100 animals from circuses and the illegal wildlife trade as they assisted the government of Peru with enforcement of a ban on wild animal acts. Native animals including endangered bears and dozens of monkeys were rehomed in Amazon sanctuaries, while a tiger was relocated to a sanctuary in Florida and 33 African lions (nine from Colombia) airlifted to freedom and natural bush habitats in their native Africa.

ADI President and Lion Ark producer Jan Creamer said: “Seeing the transformation of the animals we save drives us to help others in need, and we hope Lion Ark will inspire viewers to help Poland’s circus animals.”

Watch the trailer here »
Lion Ark is available on DVD – buy it now »

The award-winning film Lion Ark, charting the Animal Defenders International (ADI) rescue operation to enforce legislation banning animal circuses in Bolivia, will have its Italian premiere in the Senate on Wednesday 15 March 2017.

Members of Parliament are invited to attend the screening, which will conclude a special workshop in support of government proposals to phase out animal acts hosted by Italian group LAV in association with ADI.

Lion Ark Producer and ADI President Jan Creamer will outline ADI’s 25-year mission to expose circus suffering around the world, and assist governments with law enforcement and animal relocations.

Current legislation governing the use of animals in circuses in Italy dates back to 1968 and is out of step with public and expert opinion. ADI welcomes proposals to phase out animal circus acts and, if passed, Italy will join 18 European countries, and 34 around the world, with restrictions in place.

More action adventure than traditional documentary, the critically acclaimed Lion Ark follows the story of how a shocking exposé led to Bolivia banning animal circuses. Circuses defy the law but are tracked down by ADI, animals saved and a joyous finale sees 25 lions airlifted to freedom.

Lion Ark Director Tim Phillips said: “The film tackles a serious issue, but is exciting and leaves people with a smile on their face, knowing they can make a difference as they see the lives of these animals transform.”

Watch the trailer here »
Lion Ark is available on DVD – buy it now »

The multi-award winning, rescue documentary Lion Ark will be screening at Full Frame Theater, Durham on Saturday February 18th – the North Carolina premiere of the film.

The Durham screening will be followed by Q&A with the rescue team leaders and the director and producer of Lion Ark Tim Phillips and Jan Creamer. Just 48 hours earlier Tim and Jan will have been completing the rescue of spectacled bear, called Dominga, from a zoo high in the Andes and taking her to an ADI sanctuary in the Peruvian forest. The rescue will involve moving the, almost completely bald bear, for two days through the mountains and then along by boat along the Madre de Dios River to her new home.

ADI specialises in complex rescue operations, like the rescue and relocation of the 25 lions in Lion Ark and 33 lions from circuses in Peru and Colombia flown home to Africa last year. Tim and Jan will fly from Peru on Friday.

Tim Phillips, Lion Ark Director: “We may look a little exhausted as we will have been sleeping cars for Dominga the bear’s move to her new home, but that’s how we often look in Lion Ark! As a treat for the Durham audience, they will get to see Lion Ark and be the first to see images of this latest rescue. It’s also a reminder that the work featured in Lion Ark is on-going.”

WHEN: Saturday February 18, 1:00pm
WHERE: Full Frame Theater, 318 Blackwell Street Durham, NC 27701
TICKETS: Buy now!

Tim Phillips notes that although eye-opening the film is fun and uplifting: “We wanted people to experience a frontline animal rescue, both the challenges and the joy. The film tackles a serious issue, but is exciting and leaves people with a smile on their face, knowing they can make a difference as they see the lives of these animals transform.”

During the Q&A, the filmmakers will also talk about the latest rescue –Operation Spirit of Freedom – where over 100 wild animals were recently saved from circuses and the illegal wildlife trade in Peru and Colombia. This culminated in a massive airlift of more than 30 lions, from South American circuses, home to Africa. Money raised at the screening will go towards ADI’s huge $250,000 habitat construction program for the lions’ forever homes.

Donate towards these fantastic lions homes!

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If you can’t make it to the screening, you can buy Lion Ark on DVD »

The multi-award winning, rescue documentary Lion Ark will be screening at Plaza Theater, Atlanta on February 19th and at the University of Georgia, Athens on February 20th.

The screenings will be a special tribute to Atlanta veterinarian Dr Mel Richardson who passed away in January 2014. Dr Mel, as he was known around world, was the veterinarian for the dramatic rescue of 25 lions by Animal Defenders International (ADI) from circuses in Bolivia that is documented in Lion Ark. There will be a short film about Dr Mel accompanying the main feature. There will also be a Q&A with the director and rescue team leaders who will be coming from a bear rescue in Peru.

WHEN: Sunday February 19, 1:00pm
WHERE: Plaza Theater, 1049 Ponce De Leon Avenue NE Atlanta, GA 30306
TICKETS: Buy now!

WHEN: Monday February 20, 7:00pm
WHERE: Miller Learning Center, Room 148, 48 Baxter Street, Athens GA 30602
TICKETS: FREE Sponsored by UGA student organization Speak Out for Species.

Dr Mel Richardson who lived in Atlanta passed away in January 2014 and his untimely death from heart failure sent a shock wave through the animal protection movement. Vastly experienced, with over 40 years working with captive wildlife, Mel had initially been employed by zoos and the captive wildlife industry before turning his back on that world and dedicating his life to saving and protecting animals. As well has veterinary work, he provided an eloquent voice for animals, giving evidence in Congress and elsewhere.

In an incredibly poignant scene in the film Lion Ark, Mel noted tearfully: “What motivates me now, was all the 42 years I didn’t do anything and all the suffering that I’ve seen with captive wild animals. At least, thanks to ADI and others, I have an opportunity to make amends, that’s what motivates me.”

Lion Ark Director Tim Phillips: “We wanted to bring Lion Ark to Atlanta to honour our friend and colleague Dr Mel Richardson who lived here. Mel played a vital role in Animal Defenders International’s animal rescues and work creating awareness about the treatment of animals and is sorely missed.

“We worked together in some of the most difficult and high pressure circumstances and it was always a pleasure to be with him. Not just his obvious skills, but his humor and good nature, which are captured in Lion Ark. I hope people who knew him will come and see him again on the big screen and those who didn’t know him will get a chance to a remarkable man whose time with us was too short.”

ADI recently rescued over 30 lions from circuses in Peru and Colombia and funds raised at the screening will go towards a natural bush enclosure dedicated to Dr Mel Richardson for a group of those lions. You can donate toward this special enclosure:

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Lion Ark is also available on DVD »

The award-winning film Lion Ark – the story of the dramatic rescue of 25 lions from circuses in Bolivia – makes its triumphant return to Johannesburg on Saturday 3rd December at vegetarian restaurant Conscious 108. The screening, hosted by Ban Animal Trading, is timed for Lion Ark’s recent release on DVD.

Watch the trailer now »

Moviegoers can enjoy Lion Ark for one night only for R50, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers and rescue team, and exclusive footage from this year’s rescue in Peru, when over 30 lions came home to Africa.
The event is raising money for the R3,537,742 ($250,000) habitat construction for the lions’ forever homes.

WHEN: Saturday 3rd December, 7:00pm
WHERE: Conscious 108, 108 Greenway, Greenside Johannesburg
TICKETS: E-mail booking to info@bananimaltrading.org

The critically acclaimed movie took film festivals by storm with sell out shows at many, 11 awards and an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding International Motion Picture – the first time for an animal protection film in the prestigious civil rights awards.

Reel Talk called Lion Ark “the feel-good movie of the year!;” The Ecologist
“A consciousness-raising milestone;” The New York Times “Refreshing”; The Hollywood Reporter “Compelling cinema verité”; whilst Britflicks described Lion Ark as “unmissable” and “Born Free with Balls on.”

Lion Ark tells the story of the daring rescue by Animal Defenders International (ADI) to enforce a ban on the use of animals in circuses in Bolivia. More action adventure than traditional documentary, Lion Ark is up close and personal, in the thick of the action. Circuses defy the law but are tracked down, animals saved and a joyous finale sees 25 lions airlifted to freedom. A story of bravery, compassion, a country that said ‘no’ to cruelty and how attitudes towards animals changed across a continent.

Director Tim Phillips said: “We wanted people to experience a frontline animal rescue, both the challenges and the joy. The film tackles a serious issue, while exciting and leaves people with a smile on their face – everybody can make a difference.”

Kathy Watson, Ban Animal Trading said: “As Ban Animal Trading, actively campaigning to end animal circuses in South Africa, we are absolutely thrilled to be hosting a special screening of Lion Ark and affording our valuable campaign supporters the opportunity to meet the hugely inspirational ADI team. This incredibly moving and inspirational documentary, together with the wonderful work done by ADI worldwide, give us hope for a better future for all animals!”

Lion Ark is available to buy on DVD »