A lion in a zoo will attack not because it is hungry—zoo animals are well fed—or because it is mean but simply because its territory has been invaded. So, circus trainers must establish that the ring is their territory by entering before the lions while they watch. Once the trainer can establish that he is the super-alpha male, his wishes will be granted, whether they be jumping through hoops or rolling over.
A trainer must make sure that he or she maintains dominance and that their alpha status is clearly understood. If the animals begin to feel any social insecurity, aggressive, deadly behavior is likely. Part of an animal's sense of safety is tied to its social rank.
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