The Danish government has rescued the country’s four remaining circus elephants in an effort to end the exploitative practice of forcing wild animals to perform in shows.
Denmark paid $1.6 million to Circus Arena and Cirkus Trapez to free the elephants. They are now in the care of Animal Protection Denmark where they will begin their much-deserved retirement after years of mistreatment and forced work.
Animals used in circuses suffer gruesome abuse as part of their “training.” Circus handlers poke, prod, or shock the animals into performing acts that are frightening and unnatural to them. Often, circus owners house the animals in appalling living conditions where they are susceptible to injury and illness.
Greater awareness of cruel animal exploitation at circuses has led to a massive outcry in recent years. The public is no longer willing to accept animals living a life of constant physical and mental abuse for the sake of human entertainment.
Denmark is the latest country to join the global trend of banning this inhumane practice. At least 45 countries have already passed laws ending wild animal acts in entertainment, and many more will soon follow.
Food and Fisheries Minister Mogens Jensen reports that Denmark will implement a formal ban on forcing wild animals to perform in circuses in the coming year, marking one step closer to a global ban on this savage practice.

Thank you for all the love and kindness you have shown in freeing the elephants and for seeking justice for those who have been killed or treated in an inhumane way!
Beautiful — God Bless you — God Bless all the Elephants — THANK YOU for being there for them.
please let let them be FREE
WONDERFUL NEWS — THANK YOU a million times.
THANK YOU DENMARK FOR MAKING THIS YOUR PRIORITY. I WISH OTHER COUNTRIES DID THE RIGHT THING FOR THE CORRECT REASON!!
A very big thank you, that is great news!
Will they be retired to Sanctuary in France, as I am not aware of any other elephant sanctuaries in EU.
PEOPLE…PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT GO TO ANY ANIMAL SHOW!
these elephants suffered too long under human greedy control. I wish a long happy life for them.
WHERE ARE YOU, GOD???????
So the circus is paid 1.6 million for mistreating elephants they are being rewarded for all the hurt and pain the elephants suffered
its called losing the battle, but winning the war.
WONDERFUL NEWS — THANK YOU to the wonderful Rescuers — THANK YOU to Denmark.
Finally a story with a happy ending. Kudos to Denmark for rescuing these poor elephants and at least they have half a chance now to live out their lives away from the constant harassment put upon them by these ridiculous circus owners and events.
Well done Denmark. Let’s hope every country does the same.
Good for Denmark. Lets hope that there will soon be a global ban and no country will have any wild animals circus.
What a gross and disgusting picture! I am so glad you saved these beautiful elephants! GOD bLESS
Thank u for the good and positive work on behalf of animals suffering all over the world.
How refreshing to read a story showing how willing people are leading by example to end the torture and misery suffered by animals in these outdated “attractions”. I look forward to an update on how these beautiful animals are thriving after they’re relocated to their new home.
These animal abusers should be fined and put in prison. How dare them abuse and torture God’s creatures. I don’t eat meat, chicken or fish or drink milk anymore. I cry if I kill a bug, which I will never be able to do again. I am so happy that the circus animals are being rescued.
God Bless you for all your wonderful work.
I want to move to Denmark. Isn’t it wonderful that this government is ending this cruel abuse. Thank you to the great people of Denmark. And when is the stupid United States going to follow up on this? If we didn’t spend so much time hating each other over stupid political crap maybe we could put our time to better use and help these poor animals and cruel captivity
From everyone here in the UK a huge thank you Mr Jensen so very much for rescuing these beautiful animals and we hope that very soon legislation will be passed to end wild animal acts.
Thank you Denmark! I will be so proud to visit a country that defends and protects the animals. God bless these 2 babies, may they live in peace, free from torture and abuse, and may they receive all the love and care they deserve forevermore!
Thank you Denmark! I will be so proud to visit a country that defends and protects the animals!! May God bless these 2 elephant babies and may they live their lives in peace, free from torture and abuse and may they feel the love from all around the world!
Thank you so very very much.
Now if only everyone involved with circus animals will follow your example.
The world would be a little better.
Thank you so very very much.
Now if only everyone involved with circus animals will follow your example.
The world would be a little better.
BRAVO DENMARK & THANK YOU
Good. Glad to hear it. Hope other governments follow suit.
Looking at that photo, just turns my stomach. Just think of the abuse and neglect these two elephants have had over the years. Paying them I think was uncalled for, that money would have been better spent on rescue efforts. I hope they don’t enjoy one penny of that money because of what they have put these poor elephants through. My 2 Cents!
I applaud Denmark for paying the ransom for the elephants freedom. However, how can they be sure that these people won’t take that money & buy more elephants? In Thailand the sanctuaries won’t give them enough money to allow them to buy another elephant but what’s to stop these people?
Congratulations this is wonderful news!!!!!!!