The Zavatta circus has set up its big top in Pont-de-Vivaux in Marseille. He will perform from November 9 to 17 with the iconic Jumbo, a three-ton hippopotamus, on stage.
The famous Zavatta circus returns to Marseille from November 9 to 17. On the program, two hours of magic and aerobatics, with the star, Jumbo, a three-ton hippopotamus. Enough to make the municipality, firmly opposed to circuses with animals, jump.
“To keep animals from wild fauna, you must have certificates of capacity and opening rights issued by the Ministry of the Environment in Paris,” defends Alexandre Muller, director of the Zavatta circus. “These are not papers that can be given to just anyone. Only professionals can have these documents,” he continues, ensuring that he takes care of his animals.
Jumbo, emblem of the Zavatta circus for 40 years, is the success of the Muller family, just like the other wild animals (camels, zebras and lions) exploited by the establishment. Faced with criticism, Alexandre Muller, however, ensures that he provides his animals with “everything they need for their well-being”.
“They are in a pitiful state”
Arguments which do not convince the Marseillais. The latter are still questioning the legality of the show. “I am against it. When my son was young, I took him regularly, but we were less confronted with this (animal) suffering,” Nadine explains to BFM Marseille Provence.
“Do you find it normal that tigers are there in the middle of the street? They are in a pitiful state. It’s not possible to see that,” criticizes another passer-by.
As part of the law against animal abuse, adopted in 2021, itinerant establishments will no longer have the right to produce wild animals on stage from 2028. But for now, the Zavatta circus will be able to perform in Marseille without incident at the Pont-de-Vivaux racecourse.
In law, a traveling circus is subject to strict regulations. Whether on private land or on public property, prior authorization from the city mayor is required eight days before installation.
For its part, the city of Marseille reminded BFM Marseille Provence that it has “always opposed circuses with animals and is positioning itself as a pioneer in the law against animal abuse adopted in November 2021”.
Jocelyn Gouriou, with Orlane Edouard
