Arguments go on as circus animals arrive in Telford
Camels, zebras and lamas have been brought to a town in one of the last remaining animal circuses in the country.
Peter Jolly's Circus has made it's way to Sutton Hill, in Telford.
The Shropshire based circus held its first show on Wednesday and will perform everyday until the end of the week before it moves to its next base in Ludlow.
Peter Jolly Junior, who runs the circus, said: "Our main attraction is definitely the animals we have on show.
"It's not often you can sit in a ring-side seat a metre away from a camel or South African zebu.
"We find acrobatic circuses tend to be the same every time - they're performed by robots.
"You never know what an animal might or might not perform, so every show is improvised slightly different from the last."
Peter Jolly's Circus is just one of two in the country which still feature wild animal acts.
In the UK, the Scottish Government have become the first country to pass a ban on wild animal acts, with England and Wales expected to follow.
Around the world, 45 countries have introduced prohibitions on animals in circuses.
"We have three inspections a year, two announced and one unannounced," he added.
"We are licensed by the secretary of state for the use of wild animals in circus.
"We also have four inspections from our own vet every year.
"The public need to come and see for themselves how we treat our animals rather than listen to the propaganda and opinions of others."
Peter Jolly's Circus has been family run for 45 years, being operated by 15 people and having its very first performance in Shropshire.
The circus performs six shows a week for seven months throughout the year, travelling to a new location every week.
It has performed around the country this year, picking up wide-spread criticism from animal activists and protestors for the unfair use of animals.
Jan Creamer, president of Animal Defenders International, said: "We have repeatedly documented the suffering and abuse of animals in circuses.
"Circuses simply cannot meet the needs of animals in small, mobile accommodation. You can help stop the suffering - just don't go to a circus with animals."
