Princess Stephanie of Monaco has again defended the use of performing circus animals, labelling critics uninformed followers of “fashion.”
In an interview with AFP tied to the annual Monte-Carlo Circus Festival, the 52-year royal — who also owns two rescued elephants — expressed support for greater industry regulation while calling for international recognition of circus tradition.
“The time has come to act! Not all circus animals are unhappy;” the sister of Albert II, Prince of Monaco, said while announcing the launch of a petition requesting UNESCO formally designate the traditional circus a part of world heritage.
“The circus was born with animals, horses at the start,” Stephanie, who is President of the annual Monte-Carlo Circus Festival, said. “This is part of our cultural heritage. It’s a whole, with clowns and acrobats.”