France will gradually ban the use of wild animals in circuses, phase out orca and dolphin shows and will ban mink¹ farming for fur, the environment minister said on Tuesday.

 

法国环境部长本周二表示，法国将逐步禁止马戏团使用野生动物表演，并逐步取消虎鲸和海豚的表演，还将禁止养殖水貂获取貂皮。

 

The transition² will take several years and existing animal shows will receive government support to switch to a new model, Environment Minister Barbara Pompili told a news conference.

 

"Today, I announce the progressive end of the presence of wild animals in travelling circuses, a ban on the presence of orcas and dolphins in dolphinariums not adapted to the needs of marine³ mammals, and the end of mink farming for fur," she said.

 

She said the measures would affect about 80 circuses, which have some 230 animals, including big cats, elephants, hippos, wolves and others.

 

France, which has three dolphinariums, will not allow the opening of new ones and wants the closure of existing ones within seven to 10 years. She also wants the closure of four mink farms within five years.

 

The state will provide an aid package of more than 8 million euros to help animal shows switch to a new business model.

 

Some 20 European countries have already banned or limited the presence of wild animals in circuses. In France, many cities already do not allow circuses with wild animal shows to pitch their tents.

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