The national animal rights charity, the Captive Animals’ Protection Society, is one of a number of welfare organisations calling for a ban on the use of animals by circuses, and says the Circus Mondao is one of just seven left in the country.

CAPS’ campaigns manager Craig Redmond said: “It’s time to end the outdated practice of forcing animals to perform for our amusement, particularly when there are lots of high-quality circuses that rely entirely on human skills. In the 21st century there can be no excuse for continuing to allow the treatment of animals in this way.”

He said opinion polls consistently showed the public overwhelmingly oppose the confinement, transportation and training methods used by animal circuses and support a ban.

The last time an animal circus came to the area in 2000, protestors turned out with leaflets and placards in a bid to dissuade people from going.

One of the performers with Circus Mondao worked as a trapeze artist for the same troupe when she was saved from a fall by her husband, while the youngest performer was christened inside the big top in Lebberston eight years ago.

The circus, which also travels with camels, horses, donkeys, ferrets, rabbits, dogs and cockerills, will be at the site next to the roundabout until July 20.

Circus spokeswoman Petra Jackson said she got frustrated with the constant criticism from animal rights campaigners, claiming it was based on misinformation.

She said: “A lot of what that they say is lies and slander, and it’s wrong what they do. All our animal trainers are registered with the Government and we treat the animals as our pets.

“When Defra finished their two-year report on animals in circuses, they concluded they were no worse or better off than pets, cows on a farm, police dogs in kennels or guide dogs for the blind.

“We’re inspected three times a month by the RSPCA, government vets and local animal welfare officers, and people have only got to drive by and see our lovely animals. We’ve got a 31-year-old mule and a 24-year-old zebra, and if you don’t look after animals they don’t live that long.”

She said the horses were kept in loose boxes and an outdoor paddock and all the animals were well looked after and happy.

“We’ve had nothing but compliments from people since we got here. A lot of parents said their kids were bored with circuses but they love our animals, and we’re educating the children as well. Where else can you stroke a zebra?”

At the end of last year, the Government published a report by Defra which concluded there was insufficient evidence in support of a ban on animals in circuses, although it was criticised by some groups for relying on second-hand evidence.