Come On Down! Bob Barker Helps Fly Circus Lions To Freedom

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Three lions seized from circuses in Bolivia have been released Tuesday into our country's largest big-cat habitat, thanks in major part to former "Price Is Right" host Bob Barker.

Barker, an avid animal activist, played an integral role in helping bring 29 freed lions to Denver's Wild Animal Sanctuary.

Bolivia became the first country in South America to outlaw the use of animals in circuses last year. Barker, 87, paid the 29 seized animals to be airlifted to Denver, where they have spent months getting checked by veterinarians and having their teeth fixed.

Three of those rehabilitated lions will be released into a savannah-like habitat on the plains of eastern Colorado, with water and underground dens.

"Seeing these lions enjoying the freedom they deserve will hopefully also send a loud message that it is time to ban the use of wild animals in circuses here in the USA," Creamer said.

A total of 29 lions were airlifted to Colorado, four others to California.

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