This picture represents the passage in the first part of The Life of Pi when Pi describes the authority in which circus performers command the circus lions. The passage explains that the circus performers must show authority and show the animal that there are  the leader. The lion would only tear the performer apart because of invasion of territory, not hunger. This is why the omega animal in the pride, the lion with the lowest social standing, makes the best performing lion. 

This picture and article show a different take on how animals react to being in caged setting. The difference, however, between the animals in these circus cages and the animals at Pi's zoo is that the animals at the zoo have comfortable habitats rather than cramped cages. It is an interesting dilemma, however, and this article shows a different opinion on how animals react to cages.What do you think?