Children and adults alike will be glad to hear that the circus came to town yesterday.

The cast of the Tarzan Zerbini Circus was bought in on the Rosellen arriving a day earlier than expected.

Three elephants a white tiger and numerous dogs were unloaded off the ship late yesterday afternoon.

And although some residents voiced concerns over the condition of the animals, a team of welfare inspectors from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) insisted the beasts were "in very good condition".

SPCA inspector Charles Whited said: "The handlers came with the animals and they are eating and drinking as normal.

"The animals had enough bedding and are fine and in very good condition."

TZ Productions general manager Larry Solheim said: "We understand the concerns of people who care about the animals, but our animals have always been the best cared for. We are one of the most responsible circus' in the business. The animals have regular shots, vitamins, veterinary care, vaccinations, and they live twice as long as animals in the wild because of it.

"We have one of the most successful breeding programmes, breeding tigers and elephants in captivity."

Most people generalise when it comes to circus animals, we invite the public to come along and view our animals. There is nothing like seeing the look in the eyes of a child while they are riding on the back of an elephant."

Tickets are moving fast for next week's performances according to Bermudian promoter Devree Hollis of DNA Productions.

"Ticket sales are going quite well and it seems that people are excited about the circus coming to town - to avoid disappointment buy your tickets early."

"The circus is something positive for the young people to do and enjoy."

Despite the good conditions of the animals, there was a minor scare after the vessel arrived at Marginal Wharf in St. David's yesterday morning.

Island Construction manager Steve Moniz said: "Initially there were a few hiccups, we had to cut off one of the bollards on the dock to allow for the ramp to be lowered. The ship arrived a day early and it was not expected to arrive until Saturday.

"The elephants got stuck as they were going coming off the boat and boards had to be put under the truck to help it to come off the boat."

"We have been on the scene since then with eight of our trucks, collecting and unloading elephants and the like. Everything is being transported over to Kindley Field Gate One."