In a shocking incident at a circus in Biysk, Russia, a bear riding a hoverboard attacked its handler in front of a stunned audience.
The event has sparked outrage and renewed calls for a ban on the use of live animals in circuses.
Circus bear attacks handler in terrifying incident
During a circus act, a female brown bear named Donut, weighing approximately 35 stone, was performing a routine on a hoverboard.
The act took a horrifying turn when Donut suddenly attacked her handler, Sergei Prichinich, pinning him to the ground.
Prichinich, 48, struggled to break free as the bear gnawed on the stick he used to control her.
As the audience, which included children and parents, watched in terror, a circus official intervened.
While, he poked a stick at the bear through the barrier separating the audience from the ring.
This action caused the bear to move away just enough for Prichinich to get back on his feet.
Surprisingly, Donut’s aggression subsided quickly.
Then she resumed walking calmly with Prichinich as if nothing had happened.
A handler was injured after being attacked by a huge bear.
Despite the terrifying attack, the show continued. According to a circus spokesman, “The performance continued.”
According to report, Prichinich had been rushed to the hospital, but the circus denied these claims.
Nikita Mikhailov, head of the Moretti Circus, later commented on the incident: “Towards the end of the act, the bear snapped at Sergei and wrestled with him. He didn’t resist on purpose and waited for the bear to calm down. He got up, continued the routine with her, sealed it all with a kiss, and that was it — the show continued as usual.”
Mikhailov added that neither the trainer nor the bear were injured.
The incident sparked concerns about animal welfare in circuses
This incident is not an isolated case of animal mistreatment in circuses.
Disturbing footage has recently emerged showing two bears being forced to box each other on their hind legs. This happened in front of a laughing audience at another Russian circus.
The bears were dressed in shorts and boxing gloves and made to perform under bright lights. This took place in front of large crowds at resorts like Sochi on the Black Sea.
Yuri Koretskikh, a Russian animal rights campaigner, has been vocal in advocating for a ban on live animals in circuses.
He stated, “While modern world circus art is rapidly moving towards humanity, banning the use of animals in circuses, the Russian circus lobby is actively resisting progress, defending its commercial interests.”
The attack by the hoverboard-riding bear and other incidents of animal cruelty in circuses highlight the urgent need for change.
Despite resistance from the circus industry, public opinion is shifting.
Recent polls indicate that the majority of respondents no longer wish to see animals suffer in circuses.
As the debate over animal welfare continues, this latest incident highlights the unpredictable nature of using live animals for entertainment.
It also underscores the often dangerous conditions involved in such practices.
