This German Circus Replaced Animals With Holograms And It's Like Something From The Future

Strap on your clown shoes because we're headed to the circus, folks.

Remember circuses? Like those big round-top tents with clowns and acrobats and live animals forced to perform tricks?

Disney / Via giphy.com

If you haven't been to one in a long time (or maybe, like, ever), it could be because accusations of animal cruelty have led to a decline in popularity of circuses around the world, and even implementation of legal restrictions in some countries.

But not to worry! This circus in Germany has found a solution to an entertaining show without harming any animals: HOLOGRAMS!

Bernhard Schösser / Via Flickr: circusroncalli

Yup, that's a holographic elephant! Tbh, we're pretty impressed with how lifelike it looks.

Circus Roncalli has been around since 1976, but recently began using holographic animals instead of live ones in their performances.

Bertrand Guay / Via Flickr: circusroncalli

And the result is a mesmerizing light show!

Bernhard Schösser / Via Flickr: circusroncalli

The audience sits around a 360-degree screen onto which the holograms are projected, so everyone always has the best view in the house.

The holographic approach also allows for more surreal elements than you'd see in your average circus show.

Optoma EMEA / Via youtube.com

I mean, how else are you going to witness a giant goldfish swimming right before your eyes?

Along with the faux animals, the show also includes standard circus acts like clowns, acrobats, and magicians.

Bernhard Schösser / Via Flickr: circusroncalli

Although, if we're being honest, we're mostly here for the extremely cool visual effects.

Right now Circus Roncalli is touring through Germany, but here's us (im)patiently waiting for them to visit the rest of the world.

Nickolodean / Via giphy.com

See you clowns there!

In the meantime, check it out here:

Optoma EMEA / Via youtube.com