Comedian and animal rights activist Ricky Gervais

As if there was any reason to wonder why I love Ricky Gervais so much, turns out he's also a huge animal rights activist. Last week the UK passed a ban on using wild animals in circuses, a cause Gervais was a champion of (along with many other celebrities and unnamed crusaders).

Ricky Gervais

The comedian and longtime animal rights activist has been outspoken in pressuring government officials into outlawing tigers, lions, elephants and other exotic creatures from the big top.
On Thursday, the Department for the Environment confirmed plans to implement the crackdown within two years.
Gervais took to his Twitter.com page to share his delight, writing, “We won… Congrats Twonks (fans). A victory for compassion.”
Sir Paul McCartney also threw his support behind the legislation, while American stars including Pink, Demi Moore and Olivia Munn have helped spearhead a campaign to eliminate elephants from U.S. circuses.

Ricky Gervais has also started a campaign to end cosmetic testing on animals. Here's his new video pleading for support of this important cause:

Video


I love it when the people I admire support important causes that are also close to my heart. Celebrities who use their fame for furthering the rights of animals (and other good causes) make me want to follow their careers more closely and support them in any way I can (namely movie tickets).
Any true champion of animals is a good person in my book!!