A bear performing with a Russian circus attacked members of the troupe when the artists were rehearsing in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. The circus administrator was killed and the animal’s trainer was severely injured.
The animal trainer, Evgeny Popov, was taking the bear, named Senya, through one of the more difficult parts of the performance, when Senya suddenly lost his temper and attacked Popov, biting him on his head and body.
Dmitry Potapov, the 25-year-old circus administrator, rushed to help the trainer when he was also attacked by the enraged 350-kilo animal. Potapov died from the wounds at the rink, while Popov was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries. Doctors says he is in critical condition.
The police who arrived on the scene had to shoot the bear. Its blood samples have been taken for further analysis.
Also, the show’s program has been changed, but tickets are still selling well.
“We have not received any instructions to cancel the show,” circus management told RIA Novosti news agency. “The tickets are for sale, with the next show scheduled for tonight.”
In Russia, where bears are cherished elements of folk culture and respected members of the circus, situations of this kind happen rarely.