Circus tiger leaps into audience in Russia

A circus tiger jumped out of the arena into the audience during a circus show in the Rostov-on-Don region (southern Russia), causing panic and chaotic attempts by spectators to flee, EFE reports.

According to the news portal Life.ru, which published a video recording, the incident occurred during a performance involving two trainers and three tigers, separated from the audience by a protective net suspended on a circular structure a few meters in diameter, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

At one point, the safety net collapsed, frightening the animals, which began fighting each other. One of the tigers then leaped toward the audience.

Circus staff, belonging to the Dovgaliuk family, managed to quickly evacuate spectators without injuries and returned the tiger to its cage.

Russian police have announced that they are investigating the circumstances of the incident.