Our Trip to The Shrine Circus in Oakville, ON

I can remember my aunt taking my sister and me to the circus when we were young.  I remember how much fun I had and how amazing the show was.  The best part though?  Getting to ride on an elephant after the performance was over!

I haven’t been back to the circus since so it was with high expectations that I took my daughter Keira and my sister to the Shrine (Zerbini Family) Circus on opening night in Oakville, ON.

Since the humble start of the Zerbini Family Circus in Paris, France in 1763, ten generations of Zerbinis have traveled the world sharing their talents with circus audiences over three continents.

The Shrine Circus has something for the entire family in this imaginative, exciting new show including; the largest exotic cat act in the world with 10 tigers, the TARZAN Zerbini performing Elephants, the Zerbini Liberty Equestrian Horses, astounding Trapeze & Aerial artistry, Juggling, Unicycles, Comedy, high flying Acrobatics, Classical Clowns, The Incredible Circus Wheel and more!

The Annual Shrine Circus is one of the largest fraternal events sponsored by the Shriners. The Shrine Circus provides a quality fun filled family experience with proceeds going to great causes – the good work of Shriners in your community.  Shriners belong to an international fraternity of approximately 340,000 members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Panama. Founded in 1872, the Shriners are best known for their unique parades, distinctive red fez, and their official philanthropy -children’s hospitals.

We were invited to not only opening night but also to a VIP behind the scenes tour of the circus.

We got to meet the Ring Master, Richard Curtis, who gave us a run down on the history of the circus, as well as an interesting peak into the lives of those who live the Circus life.

We got to see the Elephants in their pen, and the kids all got the chance to feed them carrots.  Keira needed her Aunties help with this.

Who is afraid of the big old elephants?  Not Keira!

We also saw how the tigers and horses were kept and treated.  It was good to see that all the animals were treated with respect and obviously well cared for.  It was explained to us that they are normally on a larger lot where they can setup an exercise pen for the tigers as well. 

If you have concerns about the treatment of the Zerbini circus animals, rest assured that this family is very committed to the responsible preservation of rare, endangered and exotic animals.  Tarzan Zerbini’s daughter, Patti, and her husband own and operate an exotic animal sanctuary near Gainesville, Florida.

Finally it was time for the circus to start!  First up were the Tigers – they, and their trainers, Judit and Jurgen Nerger,  were truly Amazing!

We were truly awed by the other acts as well, including the aerial acrobatics, the horses, juggling, unicycles, clowns and more!

 

 

So what did Keira think?  She loved it!

          

Take the Whole Family to the Circus for a Fun Night Out!

Get your general admission tickets 50% off by using the 2 for 1 Coupon Code: “FUN” online

 

Circus Schedule:

Aug 09, 2013 – Aug 11, 2013 — Ottawa – RA Centre Parking Lot

For more details or to see the Quebec dates, check out the Shrine Circus Schedule