The snakes used in the performances had both their mouths and anuses bound by tape, to prevent them from biting and from defecating in the water.
The world-famous Moulin Rouge in France will no longer use live
snakes in part of its cabaret performance after animal rights groups
had criticized the venue for harming animals.
In a segment of the show, non-aquatic snakes are kept in a
transparent water tank while a woman performs acrobatics around the
animals.
The snakes used in the performances have both their mouth and anus
bound by tape, to prevent them from biting and from defecating in
the water.
Animal rights advocates had long criticized the iconic Paris venue’s
use of snakes, and accused Moulin Rouge of animal cruelty, pointing
out that the snakes could be seen trying to keep their heads above
the water.
Now, the cabaret has finally announced “the permanent end of the
snakes number as of May 9”, French national news outlet France24
reports.
Originally founded in 1889, the cabaret’s ban on live snakes
represents a new animal-free era for Moulin Rouge and reflects
modern concerns on animal welfare.
"It's a historic move that goes in the right direction for ending
animal captivity in France", Amandine Sanvisens of the Paris Animaux
Zoopolis (PAZ) advocacy group, said in a statement. PAZ launched a
campaign against the cabaret's use of snakes last year, and held
several protests outside the venue.