It all began when young medical student Friedrich Knie fell in love with artistic horse-rider Wilma at the beginning of the 19th century in Innsbruck. He was so fascinated by the artists’ life that he abandoned his studies and travelled the country with the troupe. Friedrich founded his own acrobatic troupe in 1806, which attracted praise and recognition and also performed in Switzerland. A branch of the Knie family later settled in Switzerland and acquired Swiss citizenship.⠀⠀
A century later, the Knie brothers bought a big tent and on June 14. 1919. put on their show for the first time in the tent. Thus the “Swiss National Circus” was born.⠀⠀
Even today, the family business employs over 230 people during the tour and travels with 80 animals.
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Petition calls for a ban on circus animals in Switzerland
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A 70,000-strong petition demanding a legal end to the inclusion of wild animals in travelling circuses has been handed in to the Swiss government.
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Switzerland’s leading circus, Knie, says it will stop using elephants in its shows, breaking with a long-standing tradition.
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But the circus tradition is in danger. Strict regulations and rising costs could force some smaller companies to stop touring or even close their doors completely. A frequent complaint is that circus entertainment is not considered to have any cultural value and the Swiss authorities do not grant circuses concessions to help them operate. “The…
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