The Shrine Circus is back in town but some of its animals are not.
Officials said logistical problems and expenses prompted them to ditch several of its more exotic attractions.
“Bringing the animals from the United States is quarantine problems," circus chairman Bob Cameron told CTV Edmonton.
"The other one is to bring them from Ontario and cost-wise it's not effective for us to do it that way."
Animal rights activists said they were thrilled with the decision.
“We have been campaigning for an end to the use of wild animals for over 20 years," Voice for Animals Human Society’s Tove Reece said.
Reece called the move a big step forward.
“It's a victory for the animals that are less and less going to be used in this kind of abusive, exploitative kind of entertainment.”
“More and more circuses are doing away with wild animals,” she added.
Cameron said it was unlikely the animals would be coming back.
“I would expect that this is probably going to be our policy from following years.”
The circus has added several new acts including a BMX show and human cannon.
