Young performer hooping along

MARTIN DE RUYTER/Nelson Mail

IN A WHIRL: Americus Wilson, 6, the youngest star of Circus Loritz.

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If there's one thing that makes little Americus Wilson come to life, it's hula hoops.

The super-shy six-year-old, who recently placed fifth in television series New Zealand's Got Talent, takes on a new smiley and confident persona while skilfully spinning a bunch of flying hoops.

"It makes me happy."

On Thursday night Americus performed during the first of 12 shows at the Out of Africa themed Loritz Circus, being held at Nelson's Saxton Field.

There's no doubt she's a born star, especially considering her family's connection to the world of big tops. Her father Markus Loritz, who was originally from Germany and established the Cambridge-based circus three years ago, was the seventh generation to be part of circus life.

Mr Loritz's wife, Joanna Wilson, was also born into the scene.

Accompanied by pet dog Shrek, baby sister Miley, 7 months, and grandmother Sue Wilson, Americus and her family are on the road for 49 weeks of the year.

The show is themed on an African village and performers include the Royal Kenyan Acrobats and miniature ponies.

Alongside the performers, Jumbo the four-tonne elephant has slipped under the radar of council policy to take his place in the ring.

Nelson City Council passed a resolution in 1994 prohibiting exotic animals from performing on council-owned land, but did not find out Jumbo was attending until earlier in the week.

Council parks and facilities manager Paul McArthur said by the time the council found out it was too late. The council did not expect an elephant to be in the show as the last few times the circus had come, no exotic animals were in tow.

"This time when they booked, we operated on the basis there wouldn't be an exotic animal involved. This was unexpected.

"We would accept that the policy has not been followed 100 percent and we are putting management in place to ensure it won't happen again in the future."

Loritz Circus took on Jumbo earlier this year after his former owner, Tony Ratcliffe, retired from the Whirling Bros Circus.

Mr McArthur said he had made it clear to the circus operators that Jumbo would not be welcome on council land in the future.

Sue Wilson said Jumbo was fed about $200 worth of food per day and and got around in a $350,000 truck complete with a sunshade, heating and a sprinkler system.

Nelson woman Tracy Rowberry admired Jumbo with her son Zack, 3. She is taking six children to the circus on Friday night for a 10th birthday party. She didn't think it was cruel to have Jumbo in the circus.

"I think that you certainly couldn't put him back in the wild. Most of these places seem to really be looking after the animals."

The Loritz Circus runs until November 9 and will also hold two shows in Motueka after its Nelson performances.

- © Fairfax NZ News