France to ban use of wild animals in circuses and marine parks

France’s environment minister recently announced a gradual reduction in the use of animals in marine circuses, as well as an elimination of minks raised on fur farms. What this means for the present is that no new animals will be bred in captivity while in circuses. In addition, the mink farms which were used for France’s large fur industry will be slowly phased out in the coming years.

[post_page_title]At peace with nature[/post_page_title]

France’s environment minister revealed that it was time for France to renew its relationship with nature and seek to change the way it interacted with it. The first step is to ban the use of lions, tigers, bears (oh my) — as well as elephants — in travelling circuses in the coming years. The specific number of years is not known yet, but it will likely have a similar timeline as the new restrictions for marine circuses. These marine circuses are not allowed to breed or bring in any new dolphins or killer whales, the two largest draws for any aquatic circus. Other animals may continue to be bred for the time being.

France to ban use of wild animals in circuses and marine parks

Pompeii, France’s minister on environmental matters, has not made any other plans for the banning of other animals in the circus. However, it is her plan to eventually ban them altogether, addressing the ban of certain animals on a “case by case” basis, depending on the necessity and treatment of the animals. Most importantly, Pompeii plans to eliminate mink farming completely within the next five years.
The plan is for those five years to allow the farmers to slowly convert over to other furs or other types of farming, so as to not violently deprive them of their livelihood. France has also set in the background, for the future, a 8 million Euro fund for workers of travelling circuses and marine circuses. That way, they have a fund to fall back on as they either rework their occupations or search for new employment elsewhere.

[post_page_title]Traveler’s choice[/post_page_title]

As always, what this means for tourists and travelers is that the above-mentioned entertainment will not be offered in France in the years to come. This leaves travelers with the option of going to other countries with less restrictions, likely to be found in Eastern Europe or Asia. It can also give them the opportunity to enjoy other aspects of French tourism, such as seeing historical landmarks, or tasting any of the fantastic cuisine offered there.

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