Circus Afrika: Endless Elephant Suffering

The elephant suffering continues: Circus Afrika, which has been making negative headlines for years due to serious deficiencies in its animal keeping practices, is now planning to establish a permanent “experience park” in Starkenberg. There, the elephants — whose behavioral disorders have been well documented — are set to be presented in animal shows from 1 May onwards.

Further plans include riding, petting, bathing, and photo shoots with the animals. PETA sharply criticizes the project and also points to the dangers of contact with wild animals: the elephants have been exploited in the circus ring for decades, and their behavior is unpredictable. Since 1980, at least 52 people have been killed and at least 148 partly seriously injured by elephants in European and North American circus operations. In addition, elephants used for entertainment purposes in the USA and India have already tested positive for tuberculosis. The disease is highly contagious and can be transmitted from elephants to humans. PETA is now appealing to the veterinary office and the public order office of the Altenburger Land district to take these risks into account and to prohibit the circus from allowing direct contact between visitors and wild animals.

“With Circus Afrika, one of the most reckless circus operations in the country is settling in Starkenberg. The elephants have been exploited for performances for many years and carted across the country. These animals are frustrated — and their desperation could unleash itself in a new tragedy at any time,” said biologist Dr. Yvonne Würz, PETA's expert adviser on animals in the entertainment industry. “It is irresponsible to permit the animal-abusive practice of elephant riding while tour operators are increasingly removing such attractions abroad from their offerings in order to protect both people and animals.”

Circus Afrika's poor reputation precedes it

PETA assumes that the circus company is not discontinuing its touring operations out of love for animals. Since the circus and its director Hardy Weisheit have a poor reputation preceding them, it has likely become increasingly difficult to obtain permits for guest performances. In 2019, Weisheit caused a negative stir through insults and threats against the mayor and other employees of the city of Münchberg, where he was refused a guest performance. In addition, he was convicted in 2018 for assault against a Weimar official veterinarian (case no.: Ns 902 Js 14516/16). In a chronicle, PETA has listed the circus operation's violations.

Expert reports confirm animal suffering at Circus Afrika

Unlawful chaining of the elephants during the day, lack of opportunities for activity, temperatures in the stable tent close to freezing point: The list of recurring violations at Circus Afrika is seemingly endless. This is hardly surprising: according to experts, the training of elephants only works through force and coercion. Numerous video recordings show the so-called weaving of the three female elephants at Circus Afrika, in which they continuously sway their heads and trunks back and forth. This is a serious animal welfare problem.

An expert report also confirms that the elephants are displaying behavioral disorders at an advanced stage, which must be classified as chronic suffering. The overweight elephant Gandhi also displays a swelling in the lower abdominal area, which could be a water oedema associated with a cardiovascular condition. The female elephants Tonga and Moja suffer from a malposition and incorrect loading of the right hind leg, which may be a consequence of regular chain restraint and “weaving.” This finding is consistent with an earlier report commissioned by the animal welfare officer of the state of Hesse.

What you can do

• Please never visit a circus with animals or other facilities where animals are exploited for entertainment.
• Join us in appealing to the federal government to ban animals in circuses.

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