The video shows a wheelbarrow pushing circus bear suddenly lunging at the trainer before knocking him to the ground. The enraged animal proceeds to bite his neck - while screaming spectators sit just meters away from the distressing spectacle.
The bear was subdued with an electric shock. The trainer reportedly suffered injuries but the Anshlag circus did not provide specific details about his condition.
A spectator said that people “rushed outside in panic.” Another explained that the viewers first thought it was part of the act. “But when the assistant started kicking the bear and pulled out the shocker, the panic started.”
Police said they were investigating the incident.
Reactions from social media users varied. While some expressed shock, others said that “the kids learned a valuable lesson,” arguing the trainer “deserved that” and that circus shows involving animals should be made illegal.
