Ettore Weber

Ettore Weber (c. 1958 – 4 July 2019) was an Italian circus performer and big cat trainer. Recognised as one of Italy's and the world's most experienced animal tamers, he spent over four decades working with exotic animals, primarily within the renowned Circo Orfei.

Early life and career

Weber began his circus career in the mid-20th century, eventually becoming a staple performer for the Orfei Circus, one of Italy's oldest and most prestigious circus dynasties. He and his wife, fellow artist Loredana Vulcanelli, also owned and operated their own troupe, Weber Circus. Throughout his career, Weber was known for his "Animal Park" show, an interactive performance designed to educate audiences about wildlife from five continents. His acts were noted for their diversity, frequently featuring camels, zebras, giraffes, llamas, and bison alongside his signature big cat routines.

Death and incident

On the evening of 4 July 2019, at the age of 61, Weber was killed during a rehearsal in Triggiano, near Bari. While practicing with four tigers, a dominant male pounced on him, followed by the other three animals. The incident occurred in front of his colleagues and his wife; despite immediate efforts by circus staff to intervene and the arrival of paramedics, Weber succumbed to severe spinal injuries and trauma.

Legacy and legislative impact

The death of Weber remains a pivotal moment in the history of the modern Italian circus, serving as a catalyst for a national debate regarding animal welfare and the ethics of captivity. In the immediate aftermath, the incident was utilised by international advocacy groups, including the Anti-Vivisection League (LAV) and PETA, to lobby for an outright ban on the use of wild animals in entertainment. This tragic event significantly accelerated legislative discussions in the Italian Parliament, which was already weighing a phase-out of animal acts at the time of the accident.

Beyond the political fallout, Weber is remembered within the circus community as a master of his craft who treated his animals with professional dedication. His death also led to a unique legal and ethical resolution for the animals involved; rather than being euthanized, the eight tigers from the troupe were impounded by authorities and eventually relocated to a safari park to live out their lives in a protected environment. Weber's career continues to be cited in discussions regarding the inherent risks and the complex relationship between human trainers and apex predators.