Fossett’s Circus
General
‘Ireland’s National Circus’, founded 1888
Animals
Since 2008 Fossett’s has toured as an all-human circus although it does have ponies for rides
Animals used in 2007: Started with a horse act as the only animals but in the summer became animal-free.
Animals used in 2006: 3 camels in show. 2006-7 Christmas Show in Dublin was animal-free
Animals used in 2005: Included camels, horses, two elephants
Animals used in 2003 – 2004: Included an elephant act. The elephant had been imported from Sweden
CAPS study
The following comments are taken from the CAPS report ‘An investigation into animal circuses in Ireland in 2006’.
Samantha Lindley is the vet who carried out some of the inspections of circuses with CAPS investigators.
Camels are social animals, normally living in herds of up to ten individuals. Guidelines regarding keeping camels in captivity usually suggest that they should not be tethered and that sand or earth substrates, branches and rubbing posts should be provided for enrichment.
At the time of our visit the only animal act at Fossett’s Circus consisted of three camels.
The camel act was basic, with the animals being walked around the ring and standing on pedestals. While the animals appeared to be generally in good health, one did have bandaging on both rear legs, but without conducting a veterinary examination it is unclear why.
There was no opportunity to see the animals or their housing before or after the show.
2003 Investigation
In 2003 CAPS investigators visited three Irish-based circus. The following remarks concern Fossett’s Circus:
Amongst Fossett’s animal acts was Micki, a solitary female African elephant, transported to Ireland by ship and road from Sweden just to appear in the circus ring for a few months.
Although the public were not allowed to see animals after the show, CAPS investigators filmed Micki displaying signs of typical behavioural problems such as weaving her body.
Investigators also filmed a camel and a horse, both confined to small stalls, showing abnormal behaviours.