Cairns circus: Flipping dogs, Pearl the Camel and the globe of death

The circus has come to Cairns, bringing camels, a gigantic slinky act, clowns and the acrobatic disc-flipping dogs that charmed Australia’s Got Talent judges.

Hudsons Circus has proved popular with Cairns families over the school holidays, and will perform its final Cairns shows this week. Hudsons Circus animal trainer Beau Pearson signals Silver the horse to rear on his hind legs. Picture: Brendan Radke

The circus has come to Cairns, bringing camels, a gigantic slinky act, clowns and the acrobatic disc flipping dogs that charmed Australia’s Got Talent judges.

Hudsons Circus, started over 11 years ago by owner Shane Lennon and his wife, is a coalition of acrobats, jugglers and camels from around the world putting on their show for Cairns until July 14.

There aren’t ordinary Camels – you have to show some respect and call them by their proper names – Storm and Pearl.

Hudson's Circus. Picture: Evan Morgan

Hudson Circus marketing manager Troy Smith said the animals were delightful.

“We are one of the few circuses in Australia that still have the animals on display,” he said.

The circus’ website explains that “animal welfare and care is the first priority at Hudsons Circus and we are against animal cruelty”.

The show also features trapeze acts, “crazy” Brazilian and Peruvian motorcyclists trying their luck on the Globe of Death and a gigantic slinky act that has to be seen to be believed.

Hudson's Circus. Photo: Fergus Gregg

Also performing are the acrobatic disc-flipping dogs who featured on Australia’s Got Talent in 2019 and joined the circus in 2022.

“Shane (Lennon) is a fifth generation of circus performers. He knows how to entertain an audience,” Mr Smith said.

“There is such a great atmosphere when you walk into the tent knowing that people aged from two months to 99 years are enjoying a full traditional two-hour circus”.

Originally published as Cairns circus: Flipping dogs, Pearl the Camel and the globe of death