This is the horrifying moment a circus lioness savaged a four-year-old girl after breaking through a safety net during a show in Russia.
The big cat pulled the girl into the ring and mauled her during a performance in Uspenskoye village in the Krasnodar region of Russia.
The girl, named as Ksenia, survived the attack but doctors say she will be ‘scarred for life’ after suffering serious face and chest injuries.
According to local reports, the child had been waving a small flag during the circus act.
Horrifying footage shows the moment a circus lioness savaged a four-year-old girl after breaking through a safety net during a show in Russia
The big cat pulled the girl (circled) into the ring and mauled her during a performance in Uspenskoye village in the Krasnodar region of Russia
The girl, named as Ksenia, survived the attack but doctors say she will be ‘scarred for life’ after suffering serious face and chest injuries
The lioness can be seen rushing from its trainer – despite being on a leash – and springing on the child.
One account said the animal broke a flimsy safety netting around the circus ring.
Valentina Pavlova said she was a member of a medical team which treated the girl at the Central Republican Hospital in Krasnodar.
‘There is a bite on her face that goes from ear to chin,’ she said.
‘An eyewitnesses said her mother had allowed the girl to get close to the safety net and to wave a banner.
‘The lioness reacted to this and with its paw pulled the child inside onto the arena and sank its teeth into her head.
‘The circus team pulled the lioness away and delivered the girl to the Central Republican Hospital.
According to local reports, the child (circled) had been waving a small flag during the circus act. The lioness can be seen rushing from its trainer – despite being on a leash – and springing on the child
The four-year-old girl (pictured) is being treated in intensive care after her horrific ordeal at the circus
‘She is now in stable condition, there is no danger to her life.’
She is being treated in intensive care.
Edgard Zapashny, director of Big Moscow state circus, said both the local circus and the girl’s mother were responsible.
‘I firmly believe that the blame lies completely with the owner and director of that travelling circus, the lioness’s trainer and on the adult who came with the child and let go of her while being in the front row.’
Lions continue to be used for performances in Russian circuses, including many touring troupes that travel from place to place.
The latest incident is likely to lead to increase calls to ban the use of performing predators like lions and bears.