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A Russian Performing Bear Kills Circus Manager, Injures Trainer

by Yuliya Talmazan | October 22, 2009 at 11:22 am

409 views | 14 Recommendations | 4 comments

A tragic incident has taken place as a Russian circus crew was visiting Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek. During a routine rehearsal, an ice-skating bear got agressive and attacked one of its trainers and a circus manager. The 25-year-old circus manager Dmitry Potapov died from the injuries sustained, and the bear's trainer was taken to hospital. He was severely mauled and is in critical condition right now. The bear was shot dead on the scene by the police.

The five-year-old bear attacked Mr Potapov, dragging him across the ice and leaving him with fatal injuries.

A 29-year-old circus employee who tried to rescue Mr Potapov was badly injured and is in a critical condition, said Kyrgyz doctor Gulnara Tashibekova.

The director of the circus arena in Bishkek said Russian circus workers dragged the two men away from the bear and closed the arena's exits until the police arrived.

Russian circuses and zoos are notorious for keeping bears in appalling living conditions. The animals are often malnurished and do not receive regular veterinary care. They often live in small enclosures and are abused.

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Jordan Yerman

at 11:30 on October 22nd, 2009

There's nothing "routine" about trying to get a bear to ice skate. An incident like this was in the post, and today happened to be the delivery date. Not the bear's fault at all.

Rhonda J Mangus

at 11:38 on October 22nd, 2009

I agree with jordan. Thanks for posting, yuls.

Amy Judd

at 13:45 on October 22nd, 2009

I think there shouldn't have been an ice skating bear in the first place; it's tragic that one and possibly two people will be killed, but bears are wild animals and can turn on anyone at any time.

sara star

at 18:03 on October 22nd, 2009

It is a sad history for the bears.

Young cubs are taken by poachers either while their mother is away from the den or by killing her when she returns....The effect on cubs is traumatising. Many cubs die from neglect and dehydration before they can be sold to the trainers. ...In captivity, a bear cub's teeth are often removed or broken to prevent their owner from being injured. The key to teaching bears to dance is pain. Dancing bears will have a hole pierced through their lips, nose or palate and a chain or rope attached. Those that do survive spend their first months tethered to a post, straining at the rope, desperate to get back to their mothers. No anaesthetic is used for this operation. Pulling on the rope causes the bear intense pain and is used to control them. Poor diet has a catastrophic effect on the health of dancing bears. Many suffer from cataracts and go blind. The trauma of this unnatural life also drives many bears mad and they display the repetitive movements characteristic of psychologically distressed bears.