The circus was known to frequent Claudelands, bringing with it
giant animals such as elephants, giraffes, and even the odd bear.

When not delighting the Hamilton public, the animals often made attempts for their
freedom with the hope of exploring the neighbouring Claudelands bush.

Old newspaper articles tell us that some of these attempts were successful – one detailing the disbelief a young boy experienced on his way home from school after coming face to face with an escaped elephant doing its best to hide amongst the trees.

This is just one of many accounts of the roaming giants that used to visit this area, and though sightings are rare these days, we’ve got plenty of room out back for them just in case.