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"We fear the irreparable": Zavatta circus trucks tagged during the night in Fréjus

2023-05-15T15:09:13.741Z

Highlights: On at least two of them, the message "Jumbo" was inscribed in red paint. A swastika and a target-shaped symbol were also reportedly found. "It's going very well here, we didn't have the slightest problem with anyone and the spectators are very happy," says one of the participants. "They are so-called animal rights activists," says another. "We didn't hear or see anything. As for the target drawn on the truck, it is a death threat," he adds.


On at least two of them, the message "Save Jumbo" was inscribed in red paint, named after the hippopotamus of the circus, erected as a symbol by animal rights activists. A swastika and a target-shaped symbol were also reportedly found.


Le Figaro Nice

We thought the Zavatta series was finally over on the Côte d'Azur. After several turbulent episodes in recent months, especially in Nice where the situation has almost slipped between the circus artists and some local elected officials - the mayor and his first deputy, among others - now the traveling troupe is once again talking about it.

Installed in Fréjus (Var) since May 12, the Zavatta family had the unpleasant surprise Sunday morning to find three of its trailers tagged. On at least two of them, the message "Save Jumbo" was inscribed in red paint, named after the hippopotamus of the circus, erected as a symbol by animal rights activists. According to Franck Muller (allias John Zavatta), a swastika and a symbol in the shape of a target were also inscribed on one of the trucks.

Degradations that the Circassian receives as serious threats. "We didn't hear or see anything. As for the target drawn on the truck, it is a death threat. Beyond the simple deterioration, we fear the irreparable, "he explains to Le Figaro. Franck Muller evokes in particular the attempt of a small group of individuals who, a few weeks ago, wanted to free the horses and camels of the circus. "People who do this put everyone at risk. I'm afraid they will eventually free a lion. And then, imagine a little carnage! Not to mention that in such a situation it will surely be necessary to slaughter the animal, "he is annoyed. For the circus artist, those responsible are all found. "They are so-called animal advocates. They had left us alone for several months, but here we go again," he speculates.

" READ ALSO "Mr. Darmanin, wake up to avoid a drama": in Antibes, the big top of the circus Zavatta always planted

The Zavatta circus, which would display a full tent at each of its performances in Fréjus, announces that it has filed a complaint. "It's going very well here, we didn't have the slightest problem with anyone and the spectators are very happy. We hope it will continue like this," he concludes.

A tumultuous itinerary

The tumultuous route in the Alpes-Maritimes of the Zavatta-Muller was closely followed by the local and national press. After Cannes, Nice and the folkloric episode opposing him to the mayor Christian Estrosi, then Menton, Blaussac and finally Levens in a more peaceful climate, the circus artists had again attracted the attention of the authorities in mid-April in Saint-Laurent-du-Var, a town hostile to their presence. Part of the convoy with wild animals had landed on land belonging to Côte d'Azur Habitat, chaired by Anthony Borré, also first deputy of Nice and vice-president of the metropolis.

" READ ALSO "A genocircus": in Nice, the response of the circus Zavatta to the attacks of Christian Estrosi

"It's been three hours that Jumbo is in a truck in the sun, aren't you ashamed?" said the elected official, who went there. "Before you take care of my hippopotamus, get involved in your park (Phoenix Park in Nice, Editor's note)! You that you are! Make him leave this child of whore, he will go up in the air, "had unpinned the circus artist, spitting in his face. In the end, several complaints had been filed and the circus forced to decamp fissa for Antibes, then Fréjus.

Last November, the Draguignan prosecutor's office opened an investigation after the release of a video from the association One Voice, showing the hippopotamus Jumbo in the bucket in which he was installed, hitting his jaw against the ledge. "Can a judge finally order the seizure of all the animals that are kept in this establishment?!", was indignant the association.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2023-05-15

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