Everyone’s nightmare nearly came true in recent days at the Dovgaluk Circus in Russia: three tigers could have escaped when the safety net collapsed, leaving nothing between the animals and the audience. One of them even made it into the seating area, but the handlers dealt with the situation in an exemplary manner.

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As reported by The Sun, the audience didn’t just witness astonishing scenes—they almost became part of them. Three tigers were performing in the ring when, suddenly, the net separating the stage from the audience came crashing down with a loud bang.

Tigers endangered circus visitors

As soon as the net collapsed, one of the tigers immediately rushed into the crowd. Despite attempts to pull it back, only two of the animals could be kept in the ring. Some spectators began to panic and tried to flee—which was the worst thing they could have done. Fortunately, the staff reacted instantly and instructed everyone to remain seated and stay calm.

Dear visitors, please remain calm, otherwise you will only make the situation worse,

– an announcement said over the circus loudspeakers. The handlers then began guiding the tigers back, which they managed to do quickly. According to the circus, the net fell accidentally, and in the end, no one was held responsible for the incident.

It’s not that there was absolutely no danger to the audience, but these are tame tigers—they are trained that way,

– said circus director Nikolai Dovgaluk.

Animal circuses have a long tradition

Although the use of animals in circuses is strictly regulated in most European Union countries, performances with wild animals are still common in Russia. European regulations are largely based on animal welfare considerations, and in many countries such acts are banned altogether, including in the Netherlands and neighboring Austria. In Hungary, such activities are subject to strict regulations; tigers are also on the list of animals that may only be kept with a permit.

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