The government of Denmark plans to ban wild animals in circuses later this year. Just four circus elephants are remaining in the country, and they plan to spend $1.6 million to buy them to give them a proper retirement.
Mogen Jensen, Food and Fisheries Minister, said there are no immediate plans as to where to put the elephants, named Ramboline, Lara, Djunga, and Jenny. However, applicants prepared to take the gentle creatures should offer an appropriate takeover and proper care and accommodations. Until then, Animal Protection Denmark will ensure their well-being. Jensen said in a press realease:
“We have come up with a really sensible solution so that the elephants can get better. Wild animals do not belong to either a stable or a riding school, and when the [Danish Parliament] opens, I will propose a new animal welfare law, so that we finally get wild animals banned from the circus.”
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Benny Berdino, Circus Arena manager, said he was “sad to have to say goodbye” to its three circus elephants. But he said he was very happy they would get a proper retirement. Cirkus Trapez owned the fourth one.
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Denmark’s decision to end animal performances in circuses follows an international trend. Circuses around the world have increasingly dropped their animal acts, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which announced in 2015 that it would voluntarily phase out elephant performances.
We are sending lots and lots of love to Ramboline, Lara, Jenny, and Djunga.
