Hungary Closes the Last EU Loophole for Wild Animals in the Circus Ring

Hungary has officially banned the use of wild animals in circus performances, making it the last European Union member state to align with the bloc-wide trend. The prohibition, set to take effect on 1 January 2027, covers 25 groups of wild animals, including elephants, primates, big cats, and more. Domestic animals such as dogs, cats, and horses are exempt from the restriction. Animals already held by circuses on the ban's effective date may stay for the rest of their lives but cannot be trained, displayed, or bred.

The decision, made through a government decree published in the Hungarian Gazette, comes in response to increasing public and animal welfare expectations. The move follows Hungary's change in government, with the new administration establishing a Ministry for the Living Environment led by László Gajdos, a former zoo director. The reform has been supported by the Hungarian National Circus, with the company offering accommodation to Szandra, the last wild animal performing in a Hungarian circus ring, at its safari park.