"Au Cœur des Félins" in the Tarn region: illegal breeding and exploitation of wild animals, the scandal continues with impunity
Despite the ban in force since 2023 on breeding wild animals in circuses, illegal births continue to occur with impunity. In the Tarn region, the case of the establishment called “Au cœur des félins” illustrates the excesses of a system on its last legs, between animal exploitation, flouted laws and the silence of the authorities. Meanwhile, tigers are being born… to a life in captivity.
Caged tigers, trampled laws, complicit silence: for how much longer?
In the summer of 2024, our association was alerted by the inhabitants of Terre-de-Bancalié in the Tarn region to the arrival of a trainer and his circus, ironically named “Au cœur des félins” (At the heart of big cats). In his garden, surrounded by makeshift fences, the lion Malish and the two tigers Thor and Maya are held inside a cage truck. Behind so-called “educational visits” lies a sordid exploitation, disguised as a reskilling project. Circus acts with sticks in hand and training stools… The place has nothing to do with a refuge… but everything with a business. In short, it is still a case of training, submission, confinement.
Maya, who died at the age of ten, was quickly replaced. And already, there are little ones
In the spring of 2025, we learned of the death of the tigress Maya, euthanised following kidney failure. She was not even ten years old. It is a tragedy — but also a wake-up call regarding the conditions in which these animals are kept. No sooner had Maya disappeared than she was unscrupulously replaced by another tigress, Valentina. A few weeks later, she gave birth: three tiger cubs were born on 30 June 2025. These births were no coincidence. Although illegal, they were not accidental.
A breeding ban in force since 2023: so what?
For almost two years now, the breeding of wild animals in travelling circuses has been banned. The aim is to prevent new individuals from being condemned to a life in captivity, given that their presence will be prohibited by 2028. Shelters and sanctuaries are already full, and it is irresponsible to continue breeding wild animals that no one will be able to care for in the future.
However, nothing can stop certain trainers. This illegal triple birth is not an isolated case: in the summer of 2024, lion cubs were born in the circus of Claudio Zavatta; in the spring of 2025, tiger cubs were born in trailers belonging to the Mullers. These facts, which are known and documented, are multiplying amid the indifference of the authorities.
Where is the State? Where is the political will?
Reproduction is prohibited, but there are no controls. Laws are being passed, but they are allowed to be trampled on. The end of wild animals in circuses is announced for 2028, but young animals are allowed to be born who will have nowhere to go when that deadline arrives. And circus performers are receiving public funds for their “reskilling”. We know that shelters are full, and that there will never be enough space for all these animals. Every day that passes without any action from the authorities is another day where animals are born only to end up in cages.
It is not enough to ban: the law must be enforced, and now is the time to do it. Not in 2028. Not when it will be too late. Today, we are writing to the Prefect asking him to punish the establishment “Au cœur des félins” for this illegal breeding. To join us in calling for an end to animals in circuses, sign our petition!