Accoridng to Paris Reuters, environment minister Barbara Pompili said that France will gradually ban the use of wild animals in circuses, phase out orca and dolphin shows and will ban mink farming for fur.
The transition will take several years and existing animal shows will receive government support to switch to a new model.
She said the measures would affect about 80 circuses, which have some 230 animals, including big cats, elephants, hippos, wolves and others.
France, which has three dolphinariums, will not allow the opening of new ones and wants the closure of existing ones within seven to 10 years. She also wants the closure of four mink farms within five years.
The state will provide an aid package of more than 8 million euros ($9.36 million) to help animal shows switch to a new business model.
Some 20 European countries have already banned or limited the presence of wild animals in circuses. In France, many cities already do not allow circuses with wild animal shows to pitch their tents.
Animal rights group La Fondation Brigitte Bardot will welcome all circus animals who are currently kept captive and exploited in terrible circumstances.
