China's Animal Olympics

Although the official Beijing Olympic Games may be two years away, animals in Shanghai, China, were taking part in their own National Animal Olympics. A relay involving the passing of an 'Olympic' torch from a bear, to an elephant and then to an ape kicked off the games which will see more than 300 animal 'athletes' taking part in a range of 50 events over the next two months.

The games have attracted thousands of spectators to Shanghai Wildlife park, but have provoked outrage among animal rights groups around the world who say the event is cruel.

A monkey rides a bike chased by its trainer during a race against other animals during the 2006 Animal Olympics at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, September 28, 2006. The event held in a large arena involves various animals including zebras, bears and mountain goats put through a series of events such as hurdles and boxing.

An elephant lifts a young girl performer during the 2006 Animal Olympics at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, September 28, 2006.

Two bears compete in a boxing event during the 2006 Animal Olympics at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, September 28, 2006.

A zebra is led over a hurdle as it races during the 2006 Animal Olympics at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, September 28, 2006.

A bear is chased by its trainer while riding a bike in a race against other animals during the 2006 Animal Olympics at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, September 28, 2006.

An Australian kangaroo boxes with a man in a clown suit during the 2006 Animal Olympics at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, September 28, 2006.

An Australian kangaroo lands a blow while boxing with a man during the 2006 Animal Olympics at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, September 28, 2006.