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Are wild animals in circuses illegal in Norway?

Partly. Wild animals in circuses are restricted in Norway. Circuses need a permit; normally only tame species are approved.

Regulation FOR-2016-09-05-1035 (last amended 19 Jan 2021) s.4: circuses need a Mattilsynet permit to show animals; Mattilsynet says it normally permits only domesticated species. No statutory ban. Checked 9 Oct 2026.

Source: Mattilsynet

• Norway is one of 16 countries where wild animals in circuses are banned, and 23 more restrict them.
• Its neighbours: banned in 0 of 3.
• In Europe: banned in 11 of 39 countries.

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Other countries that ban wild animals in circuses

LatviaSloveniaAustriaLuxembourgCroatiaIrelandSerbiaCyprusMaltaBosnia & HerzegovinaPortugalGreeceColombiaBoliviaAll 16 on the map ›

What else is banned in Norway