Jumbo: Press release

The first report, issued by the Lot-et-Garonne prefectural authorities in early February 2026, has never been made public despite our repeated requests, raising legitimate questions about transparency. The second report – this time from the Gironde prefectural authorities later in February, which we were able to consult – raises serious questions regarding its rigour: drawn up following a 90-minute visit, it relies heavily on statements from the owner of the Zavatta circus, without essential on-site checks being carried out.

Numerous crucial points were not examined: no consultation of the medical records nor any assessment of the actual living conditions (temperature, water quality in the container where Jumbo bathes, dimensions of the facilities, etc.). Worse still, certain observations directly contradict the findings made by our own veterinary experts in 2024 and January 2026.

Unfit and dangerous conditions of captivity

Our investigations are unequivocal: Jumbo suffers from severe obesity, significant joint pain and a rapid deterioration of his health. The symptoms observed in early 2026 indicate a significant worsening of his locomotor problems.

Contrary to official claims, Jumbo’s situation is catastrophic. This hippopotamus, a semi-aquatic and gregarious animal that spends up to 16 hours in water and travels dozens of kilometres each night, has been kept alone for nearly 40 years, in conditions incompatible with its fundamental biological needs: lack of sufficient access to a suitable pool, prolonged confinement—sometimes for days on end in a trailer—and exploitation in shows.

Our teams recently observed this during the setting up of the Muller Circus in Lormont (33) in recent weeks. Jumbo was kept locked up for two weeks without access to his “pool”. He is also forced to take part in performances, now even carrying a person on his back, despite his worrying state of health.

Not to mention public safety, given that this animal—listed among Africa’s most dangerous—is separated from visitors at best by flimsy barriers, most often by a simple wire that is not always electrified and is regularly crossed by spectators.

Convictions, and yet impunity

The Muller family, who set up illegal installations wherever they go, are no strangers to legal disputes.

Alexandre Muller has already been convicted on multiple occasions for contempt of court, death threats and violence against public officials, resisting arrest and obstructing traffic. Edmond Muller has been convicted of physical and psychological abuse committed against animal rights activists who were demonstrating peacefully and lawfully.

But above all, both were convicted by the Criminal Court of Valence in 2020 for “unlawful operation of an establishment housing non-domestic animals; placing or keeping an animal in an environment causing suffering; and using an unsuitable method of confinement likely to cause suffering or injury.”

These facts directly concern the living conditions imposed on Jumbo in the circus. The worst part? The seizure of the hippopotamus had been ordered prior to the hearing. It failed in the face of violence from the circus staff. And the State and the Courts gave in, leaving Jumbo in their care even after the conviction.

Let’s put a stop to these outdated practices!

Beyond Jumbo’s case, this situation highlights the persistent abuses linked to the captivity of wild animals in circuses. Even as a ban is announced, no concrete solution is currently guaranteed to ensure the transfer of these animals to suitable facilities.

With the Muller Circus due to arrive in Mérignac in the coming days, One Voice calls on:

• the authorities to demonstrate transparency and to commission an independent and comprehensive assessment;

• local authorities to refuse to allow circuses that exploit wild animals to set up;

• the public to no longer condone these outdated practices.

Jumbo is the symbol of a silent suffering that we can no longer ignore.

Jumbo is not a number. He is not an attraction. If he dies in his trailer after enduring continuous pain so intense it is impossible to describe, those responsible will be held to account. We will secure justice for him. But there is still time to get him out of there. One Voice is calling on the general public to sign its petition.