Het festival is nog niet eens afgelopen, maar Arie Oudenes vond het belangrijk even te melden dat de zilveren en bronzen clown zijn gewonnen met dierennummers
Press Release 2/2009
Standing Ovations for Animal Acts in Monte-Carlo
Prize of the Public to the Giona Horses
During the 33rd International Circus Festival of Monte-Carlo, which took place from 15 to 25 January 2009, the animal acts were awarded many top prizes. S.A.S. Princess Stephanie, who is the president of the festival, does not only care about the choices of animal acts that participate in the competition, but also about the welfare of the animals, as the attached pictures show.
The international jury decided to award the Italian Giona Brothers a Silver Clown, one of the highest recognitions in the circus world. The brothers present their liberty horses in their very own style and got a standing ovation from the audience. Also the European Circus Association gave its special prize to this amazing highlight of this year’s festival. The Giona Brothers take home six of the special prizes of the festival, last but not least the Prize of the public, pointing out once more the preference of the circus audience for animal acts.

Also the elephant act of Elvis Errani and his family and the French Roger Falck with his Bengal tigers scored high, with a Bronze Clown. Elvis and Roger show their animals with a lot of contact and care. They also got many of the special awards.
German Karl Ferdinand Trunk and his ponies and farmyard animals received among others prizes the special award of the German Circus Fans Association (Gesellschaft der Circusfreunde e.V.) and Wolfgang Lauenburger got several special prizes for his funny dogs.
The European Circus Association represents the European circuses towards authorities and the general public. The ECA seeks to promote circus art and culture and to protect this important part of our common cultural heritage. ECA President Urs Pilz also serves as vice-president and artistic director of the International Circus Festival in Monte-Carlo. Nearly all renowned European circuses are members of the ECA.