A trainer was attacked by an angry bear during a performance in front of hundreds of terrified children and parents.

A brown bear weighing approximately 490 pounds is female.

A trainer was attacked by an angry bear during a performance in front of hundreds of terrified children and parents.
A trainer was attacked by an angry bear during a performance in front of hundreds of terrified children and parents.

During a circus show, a bear attacked a trainer in front of hundreds of children and parents, nearly killing him.

"After the incident, Nikita Mikhailov, head of the Moretti Circus, told reporters that towards the end of the act, the bear snapped at Sergei and wrestled with him. Despite this, their performance continued."

At the circus in Russia, Donut, a female brown bear weighing approximately 490 pounds, leaped at her trainer, Sergei Prichinich, while on a hoverboard.

The bear pinned Prichinich to the ground and snapped at him for about half a minute before a worker outside the cage prodded the bear and allowed the trainer to get back to his feet.

According to East2West, Mikhailov observed that the tamer waited for the bear to calm down, got up, continued the routine with her, sealed it with a kiss, and the show continued as usual.

Donut brown animal
The moment that Donut, a 490-pound brown bear, attacked her trainer during a live performance.

The bear, in a video released on Telegram, attacked a stick held by the trainer to protect himself, but once the worker poked her, she ceased her aggression and left him alone.

Prichinich was commended by Mikhailov for maintaining composure and enabling Donut to express her anger.

"Mikhailov stated that animals can behave differently, may not like something, and express their emotions in various ways, which every trainer comprehends."

Brown Bear donut
Sergei Prichinich regains control of Donut after his colleague prodded her with a stick, which snapped her out of her anger. (East2West)

Yuri Koretskikh, a Russian animal rights campaigner, pointed out that although the incident concluded safely, it could have resulted in a catastrophe, and he advocated for a prohibition on live animal shows.

The Russian circus lobby is actively resisting progress in the modern world circus art, which is rapidly moving towards banning the use of animals in circuses, according to Koretskikh.

In recent years, animal rights have been a prominent issue in Russia, prompting President Vladimir Putin to sign a bill prohibiting animal cruelty in 2018, as reported by TASS.

Russia bear Donut
Sergei Prichinich walks Donut back to center circle, showing everyone that there is no need to be afraid or worried.  (East2West)

Animal performances were not included in the law, which has prompted animal rights activists to continue their advocacy efforts.

In 2023, the Russian parliament, the Duma, proposed a bill to prohibit the use of circus animals in the country. The bill was approved by the lower chamber in October, as reported by Russian outlet Vet and Life.

The bill's co-authors, Alexey Nechaev and Vladislav Davankov, emphasized the need to safeguard the well-being of animals used in circus shows, drawing attention to instances of severe animal mistreatment in these settings.

In 2022, the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office reported 116 cases of illegal use and 48 cases of animal cruelty in a review of over 500 animal shelters.

by Peter Aitken

world

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

An Africa-based Task Force has been established to address concerns about terrorism from Iran and jihadi organizations.

world
Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

Putin and Xi pledge to strengthen their alliance following Trump's return to the White House.

world
Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

Trump administration praised by mother of missing Marine veteran as search for son continues.

world
Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

Trump's Threat to Retake the Panama Canal Sparks Russia's Protest

world
Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

Israeli military chief resigns due to October 7 Hamas massacre: 'A constant burden'

world
Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

Trump's return to the White House prompts reaction from world leaders.

world
A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

A fire at a popular ski hotel in Turkey results in the death of 66 individuals.

world
What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

What were the contents of the brown bags given to Israeli hostages freed by Hamas?

world
A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

A major counterterrorism operation is underway in a West Bank city by the Israeli military.

world
On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

On Inauguration Day, Israeli president praises Trump's work to release hostages, calling him a 'true friend'.

world
As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

As part of a cease-fire agreement, Israel frees 90 Palestinian prisoners to secure the release of hostages.

world
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas may allow the rearming of terrorists in Gaza.

world
Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

Israelis rejoice as first hostages are released after 471 days in captivity.

world
A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

A report states that the German ambassador has warned that Trump's 'maximum disruption' agenda will 'undermine' democratic principles.

world
The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

The Israel-Hamas cease-fire will be implemented on Sunday, and its implications will be closely monitored.

world
In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

In Tehran, two Supreme Court judges were fatally shot by a gunman, according to state media reports. Afterward, the assailant took his own life.

world
Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

Qatar announces cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to begin Sunday morning.

world