During a recent performance in the Altay Kray region of central Russia, a circus bear named Donut attacked its handler, Sergei Prichinich, in front of a live audience. The bear, which was performing on a hoverboard, suddenly lunged at Prichinich, knocking him to the ground and pinning him there. Despite the alarming situation, Prichinich remained calm, even as Donut appeared to bite a stick he was holding.
The bear, weighing over 490 pounds, eventually released Prichinich and walked away without further incident. Remarkably, neither the bear nor the handler was injured, and the performance continued after the incident. Nikita Mikhailov, the head of the Moretti Circus, explained that Prichinich intentionally did not resist and waited for the bear to calm down, continuing the show afterwards. The circus maintained that the bear was merely expressing its emotions, a behavior expected from animals in such environments.
The attack has reignited debates about the use of animals in circuses, especially in Russia, where such practices are still common. Russian animal rights campaigner Yuri Koretskikh criticized the continued use of animals for entertainment, calling for a ban similar to those in other parts of the world. Despite his warnings, the Russian circus industry remains resistant to change, prioritizing commercial interests over animal welfare.
This incident adds to a growing concern among audiences and activists alike about the ethical treatment of animals in entertainment. While some argue that traditional performances should continue, others believe that modern circus art should evolve to exclude animal acts, aligning with global trends towards more humane practices.
