Hungary bans the performance of wild animals in circuses starting from 2027.

The Hungarian government is introducing a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses. After January 1, 2027, it will no longer be allowed to acquire, breed, keep, train, present, or use certain species of wild animals and their hybrids in circus performances. The decision was justified by animal welfare and safety concerns. As government spokesperson Éva Magyar emphasized, keeping, transporting, training, and publicly displaying wild animals are inconsistent with modern animal protection standards and pose a risk of accidents.

Until now, Hungary had only implemented a partial ban, which allowed for the importation of animals from countries with more restrictive regulations. In Europe, an increasing number of countries are limiting or completely eliminating performances involving wild animals in circuses – Hungary is joining this trend.

The regulations provide for a transitional period. Animals legally kept at the time the law comes into effect will be allowed to remain in the menagerie for the rest of their lives, but they will not be allowed to breed, train, exhibit, or be used in performances.

The ban was previously announced by László Gajdos, the Minister of Environmental Protection and former director of the zoo in Nyíregyháza. The Hungarian National Circus has expressed support for this decision.