The Moulin Rouge Drops Snakes Show Amid Street Protests
The famous Moulin Rouge cabaret in Paris faced a dramatic turn when it suspended a long-running show featuring a dancer navigating a water tank surrounded by live snakes. The move came after ongoing street demonstrations organized by animal rights groups drew public attention and pressure. A spokesperson for the venue indicated that the performance had been a part of the show for several weeks but would no longer continue in the current format. The cabaret team later confirmed that the snake segment would not resume this year, and the plan to keep the display in 2024 was abandoned in light of the protests and the evolving city guidance.
Officials and the Moulin Rouge offered statements defending the artistic choice to include the reptiles, noting the unique nature of the act and its place in the cabaret’s tradition. Yet the controversy intensified as activists argued that it was inappropriate and unsafe to submerge snakes in a water-filled setup. The show employed two types of snakes, the reticulated python and the Indian python, both native to lands far from the Paris stage, and concerns were raised about their welfare and the overall risk to performers and animals alike. Paris city authorities advised against such underwater demonstrations, urging consideration of animal welfare concerns alongside public entertainment value.
The decision to cancel the underwater segment came after sustained public pressure in the streets and through petitions from advocacy groups. The Moulin Rouge publicly announced that the snake action had been canceled as of that day, signaling a shift in the venue’s planned repertoire and a reconsideration of how animal acts are presented on its stage. Local officials emphasized the importance of balancing artistic expression with ethical standards and the responsibilities that come with hosting a high-profile international venue.
Industry observers noted that this episode reflects a broader conversation about animal acts in live entertainment. Critics highlighted the disconnect between traditional cabaret spectacle and evolving public expectations regarding animal welfare. Supporters argued that carefully managed performances can be conducted with the highest standards of safety and care, but the final decision rested with the cabaret leadership in consultation with city regulators. The Moulin Rouge move has been described as a cautious response aimed at preserving the theatre’s legacy while embracing contemporary norms about humane treatment of animals and the safety of performers.
Past coverage from a Canadian outlet touched on a separate wildlife-related incident involving large snakes found in a residential setting, underscoring a global interest in reptiles and the broader conversations they provoke about human-animal interactions. Though unrelated to the Paris venue, such reports contribute to the public’s ongoing curiosity about reptiles, their habitats, and the responsibilities of humans when interacting with dangerous wildlife. The current Paris decision serves as a case study in how entertainment institutions navigate the intersection of culture, ethics, and animal welfare in the modern era.