As a supporter of Animal Defenders International, may I inform your readers of a huge lion rescue operation, Operations Lion Ark, and seek their assistance.

Animal Defenders International, of Millbank Towers, Millbank, London SW1P 4QP, undertook an undercover investigation which caused great public concern regarding the abuse in Bolivian circuses and which resulted in a ban on all circus animals.

Animal Defenders International rescued four lions and brought them to freedom in a sanctuary in the US.Then, the Bolivian government asked it to take their remaining circus animals, comprising 25 lions, six monkeys and a horse.

When rescued, the lions were in a desperate state.

Malnourished, thin and dehydrated, they were found in tiny cages on wheels.

One circus had a staggering eight lions in a small cage, little bigger than two double beds, on the back of a truck. Now they are being cared for with good food until they are airlifted to the US, where they can spend their lives safely in a sanctuary.

This is the biggest lion rescue, and I would be very grateful if readers could kindly help with a donation to transport these animals and to care for them in their new facility.

Animal Defenders International runs awareness campaigns, lobbies governments, councils and international bodies, and works with partner campaign organisations in different countries.

To make a donation, please call 0207 6303340 or go online to www.savethelionsappeal.

com.

Thank you so much for caring and considering this worthwhile cause.

Krystyna Curry
Abbeygate Street
Colchester