- Tiger attacks circus trainer in Lecce, Italy.
- A video of the event has since gone viral on social media.
- Ivan Orfei, 31, is hospitalised with non-life-threatening injuries.
Watch: Tiger attacks trainer at the circus during a live performance in the Italian region of Lecce on Thursday evening, according to the report. A video of the event, which has since gone viral on social media, caught the scary moment when the large cat hauled the circus trainer to the ground.
The clip, which was published on Twitter, shows the circus trainer focusing on another tiger as the second tiger pounces from behind. The massive cat bites on his neck and pierces his leg with its teeth as the 31-year-old trainer, identified as Ivan Orfei, shrieks in pain and attempts to extricate himself from the tiger’s claws. Meanwhile, screams can be heard from the audience.
Watch the video
Incidente al Circo per #ivanorfei, attaccato alle spalle da una Tigre davanti ai bimbi del pubblico
Ricoverato in codice rosso#circo #Orfei pic.twitter.com/VgYDvuxkJT— SALLY (@LaSamy65280885) December 31, 2022
Mr Orfei was able to limp away from the tiger’s clutches after his aide battered the tiger with a table. He was brought to the Vito Fazzi hospital in Lecce with severe wounds to his neck, leg, and arm. Fortunately, he avoided life-threatening injuries and is now being treated in the hospital. Meanwhile, the tiger was isolated after the show to undergo veterinarian examinations.
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Following the event, the circus management issued the following statement: “The management of Marina Orfei Circus hugs their colleague Ivan Orfei who was a victim yesterday of an accident inside their own Circus Amedeo Orfei in Surbo. Ivan, a highly skilled professional trainer, was hit by a tiger during the show and luckily suffered minor injuries and his condition is of no concern.”
“Beyond the prejudices, insults, and falsehoods that are read around, ours is a world made of great love for animals, just as Ivan himself demonstrates to the audience in his shows. Tigers are fascinating animals and knowing how to tame them and build a trusting relationship with humans is an art that has been happening not only in the Circus world for hundreds of years. However, an accident can happen and the courage shown by people like him who carry out this job is commendable. Ivan is wishing a very soon return to the track, alongside his family and animal friends.”
