Anyone who lives there or visits at this time of year will know that January is circus season in Monaco. The permanent top hat in the Fontvieille district of Monaco is a luxurious home to some of the greatest circus acts from around the world.
Prince Rainier created the festival in 1974 to help showcase and support performers and to satisfy his own fascination with the circus world. Princess Stephanie has inherited her fathers passion for the circus and has long been involved in the proceedings but, since 2013, the circus has come a little closer to home for the Princess. Literally into her home, since she became the adopted owner of two former circus elephants.
The drama began for these two elephants in 2010 when they were diagnosed with suspected Tuberculosis and their future hung in the balance. Princess Stephanie stepped into rescue the 40 year old elephants and they have become permanent residents at the family enclosure at Roc Agel.
'Baby' and 'Nepal' now live in the lap of elephant luxury with a clean bill of health. The story of their travails and journey to their new home can be seen at an exhibition at the Oceanographic Museum until 9th February.
