Roll up, roll up Bunbury, Hudson’s Circus, Australia’s largest big top has arrived in town.
Bringing a modern twist on the traditional circus, Hudsons features performers from around the world, as well as animal acts, all presented by Australia’s foremost ringmaster Shane Lennon.
The show involves a variety of animals, including three camels, who were rescued from a culling program.
Animal handlers Belinda McGahan and Rob Joyes said it was important the animals are all happy and healthy.
“We have had most of our animals since they were about 12 months, so we spend a lot of time raising them and getting them used to the circus environment,” Mr Joyes said.
“It’s different for each animal, they all require different things. But they will only perform if they are happy, which is always our ultimate goal.”
Other animal acts include six welsh mountain ponies, two water buffalow, three lamas and a Brazilian macaw.
Ring Master Shane has been involved in the circus his whole life.
“My family has been running circuses since 1893,” he said.
“I absolutely love it, I did run away and have a normal life for a little while, but I didn’t like it.
“The circus is where I belong, I love to entertain people.”
Mr Lennon spends 11 months of each year travelling with his wife, Nancy, a Canadian trapeze artist and their three children.
“We encourage everyone to come down and see what we have to offer,” he said.
“We have 40 people here all working hard to make sure audiences have an amazing time.”
The circus has been set up at Bunbury’s Luciana Park on Koombana Drive for shows between Wednesday, August 23 and Sunday, September 3.
For more information or to order tickets visit hudsonscircus.com.au or check out the Hudson’s Circus Facebook page.
