German Circuses Under Fire Over Use of Animals

The family‑run Circus Hoppla Hopp, touring in Niederlehme, Brandenburg, keeps three camels, two horses, four ponies, five dogs and pigeons. Director Sven Rogall says the animals are integral to the show and insists, “I don’t want to experience a circus without animals.” He describes the animals as chip‑identified, vaccinated and housed in spacious enclosures, and claims they are trained without whips, chains or violence.

Meanwhile, the large classic Circus Krone, currently performing in Saxony‑Anhalt (Magdeburg and Stendal), presents about 80 animals, including lions, tigers, camels and other species. Animal‑rights groups such as Petadie and the German Animal Welfare Association have criticised the circus, citing cramped conditions, stressful transport and the risk of accidents. Public opinion appears to be shifting, with many locals calling for a ban on wild animals in circuses under existing animal‑protection laws.

Both circuses illustrate the growing debate in Germany over whether traditional animal acts should continue in modern circus performances.