Ernst Weber came to Australia from Germany in 1955, where he was an acrobat in a circus owned by his father. The knowledge and skills he gained in animal handling from working in the circus were invaluable to his work as a keeper at Melbourne the Zoo.

Strong links between zoos and circuses have existed throughout history. In the early 1900s the partnership between Melbourne Zoo and circuses was mutually beneficial. Elephants and other exotic animals were bought from and sold to circuses. At times the zoo also housed and cared for circus animals.

Further information:

150 years Melbourne Zoo, Zoos Victoria, Bounce Books, 2012

Destination Australia: Sharing our post war migrant stories, Ernst Weber