IT takes a team of more than 60 to bring the circus to Bolton.

From camels to clowns and riggers to reindeer, they all form part of the Circus Mondao which is currently on a tenth visit to Bolton

Starting yesterday, it will be putting on 18 performances over the next two weeks featuring everything from showgirls, jugglers, gymnasts and the daring “Wheel of Death”.

Rolling into town earlier this week, performers, staff and animals have camped out on farm land in Wigan Road at Hunger Hill

Alongside eleven performers are the circus’s group of animals which join them in the big top, which can seat 700 people.

Among them are a pair of camels and reindeer, eight horses, four ponies, three goats, a donkey, doves, chickens and a few dogs.

Protesters picket Circus Mondao on opening night in Bolton

Ringmistress Petra Jackson is keen to address claims that her four-legged performers are mistreated.

She said: “We feel like we have to constantly justify ourselves, we have not done anything wrong. If we mistreated them they would never go near us. They have a good life and they are part of our family for life.

“They are fit and healthy with everything they need, you can see them grazing in the field and we have proper horse boxes and stables, which are the first thing erected when we arrive at the site.

“Why would we spend £10,000 on a camel and several thousand of pounds on horses and mistreat them? That would be ridiculous!

“People watch trained dogs win Britain’s Got Talent and horses compete in dressage and never complain, so why are we treated differently?

“We are regulated by the government and are inspected more than pet shops and riding schools. We have seven unannounced and announced inspections a year.”

The circus is licensed by DEFRA to operate using wild animals — though Miss Jackson argues that camels are far from ‘wild’, having been domesticated in some countries.

Making use of the farm land, animals graze during the day and enclosures and stables are supplied with water and food.

Staff are out everyday caring for the animals, which Miss Jackson claims is contrary to the accusations levelled at the circus by protesters.

She adds: “We have invited them to see for themselves but they are never interested.

“People like to say we are cruel to them and treat them with neglect. It does upset us because they think they know us but they don’t. They have never met us or our animals.”

Following the shows, the audience are invited backside to meet the animals for themselves and see their home.

Circus Mondao will be in town until September 18.