Tiger Queen of Monte Carlo in court: Serious allegations in Eilenburg!

Tiger Queen of Monte Carlo in court: Serious allegations in Eilenburg!

On October 30, 2025, Carmen Zander's animal husbandry will be put to the test in the Eilenburg District Court. Germany's best-known tamer, who earned the title “Tiger Queen of Monte Carlo,” is facing serious allegations. According to lvz.de she is accused of violating the Federal Nature Conservation Act. In the worst case, the animal owner faces prison sentences of up to five years.

The problems for Zander began when the number of her appearances fell after 2018. Performances with tigers, for which she charges money, are not uniformly regulated in Germany, with many cities now banning performances with predators entirely. The circus industry is facing a rethink that is strongly influenced by animal welfare views. Zander, whose career began at the age of 19 with the purchase of five young animals, can look back on numerous successes. Her highlights came at the international circus festival in Monte-Carlo, where she received the award from Princess Stéphanie of Monaco in 2018.

Legal problems and ban

But the laws have changed. In 2022, Zander had to withdraw her tigers from the circus, which made keeping conditions more difficult. The district office not only prohibited her from showing her animals in public, but also from breeding them. This already led to an incident in April 2023, when she held a public tiger show despite the ban, which resulted in a complaint from the nature conservation authority.

As a result of the indictment by the Leipzig public prosecutor's office, Zander is now confronted with two allegations. The legal consequences could be serious, as it remains unclear what would happen to the tigers if the allegations lead to a prison sentence. The district office has promised accommodation options for the animals, but the question remains whether Zander can do without this.

The outlook for zander

The trial on October 30th will be crucial. It remains to be seen whether a new opportunity will open up for the tiger queen or whether her career and the well-being of her animals will be in jeopardy. Zander's situation reflects a larger problem facing many circuses today: the balancing act between animal husbandry and the increasing demands of animal welfare. As animal welfare becomes more and more in focus, circuses and their operators must have a good hand in mastering the fine line between tradition and ethical standards.

How this story will develop is uncertain, but animal welfare issues and public opinion are certainly high, not only in Eilenburg but also beyond.