A terrifying incident unfolded during a live circus performance in Russia when a 490-pound female brown bear named Donut suddenly attacked her trainer, Sergei Prichinich. The shocking event occurred in front of a horrified audience, including many parents and children, who watched in disbelief as the bear, initially performing on a hoverboard, turned on Mr. Prichinich, pinning him to the ground.
As the bear overpowered him, Mr. Prichinich fought desperately for his life, using a metal bar to keep the bear’s powerful jaws at bay. The intense struggle lasted for approximately 30 seconds before a quick-thinking worker outside the cage intervened, distracting the bear long enough for Mr. Prichinich to break free. The bear eventually backed off, allowing the trainer to narrowly escape the dangerous situation.
🚨 Donut, a bear exploited for this Russian circus, fought back & attacked a performer on video 🚨 How many incidents have to happen before circuses leave ALL animals OUT of the big top? 💔➡️ https://t.co/j14fsobXsa pic.twitter.com/tjnwvSMjhQ
— PETA (@peta) August 29, 2024
Remarkably, the show continued without further incident after the bear was calmed down. Nikita Mikhailov, director of the Moretti Circus, confirmed that Mr. Prichinich bravely continued the act after regaining control of the situation. “Towards the end of the act, the bear snapped at Sergei and wrestled with him. Their performance continued,” Mikhailov stated. He praised Mr. Prichinich’s quick thinking and professional handling of the situation, adding that the tamer sealed the routine with a kiss to the bear, despite the earlier attack.
The incident has reignited calls from Russian animal rights activists for a complete ban on live animal performances. Yuri Koretskikh, a prominent animal rights activist, condemned the continued use of animals in circuses, citing the inherent risks to both humans and animals. “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,” Koretskikh remarked.
The debate over animal rights in Russia has been ongoing, with President Vladimir Putin signing a bill outlawing animal cruelty in 2018. However, the legislation does not address the use of animals in performances, leaving room for further action. A bill proposing a nationwide ban on the use of animals in circuses is set to be presented to the Russian Duma in October, signaling potential changes in the country’s approach to animal rights.
