Since we’re in the midst of our national holidays, let’s talk about the circus. One of its most traditional attractions used to be animal acts. However, the suffering and abuse typically associated with these acts are leading to their removal from circus routines, threatening a form of entertainment that has already seen the disappearance of legends such as the American Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which eliminated wild animals from its show in 2016 and ultimately went bankrupt the following year, after 146 years of history.

Now, a French circus run by a married couple—both former animal trainers—is turning to technology to carry on the tradition: it is adding wild animals in the form of holograms to its lineup of jugglers, tightrope walkers, magicians, and other performers. The circus, called L’Ecocirque (or “eco-circus”) wants to live up to its name. In addition to the holograms, all the energy it consumes comes from renewable sources, it has eliminated plastics from the snacks and drinks it sells, and its performers avoid flying to travel between shows. 

In the wake of the pandemic, L’Ecocirque has resumed its tour of France this year, though capacity restrictions remain in place. Will this new model be successful? It remains to be seen, but its owners believe there’s no turning back and that this will be the path through which the circus will be transformed.