The circus bear is a classic. A hundred years ago, no wandering show was complete without a bear walking on its hind legs, bowing, and juggling a ball. But behind this adorable scene lie years of cruel training, a broken animal psyche, and, unfortunately, modern bans. How has our attitude towards bear performers changed? Why is this act fading into the past?

History: from jesters to world arenas

The first mentions of dancing bears in Russia date back to the 11th century. Jesters led bears on leashes, performing "bear comedy": the bear portrayed a drunkard, a woman, and fought with its owner. The bear was a symbol of strength and foolishness. In the 19th century, "bear theaters" became popular in Europe — for example, in Switzerland, where bears were taught to juggle. The Soviet circus school perfected the art of training: bears rode on motorcycles, played the balalaika, lifted dumbbells.

Training methods: from the whip to the treat

Traditional bear training was based on pain. Metal rings in the nose (tugged at), whips, and hunger were used. The bear learned: if it did not stand on its hind legs, it would be painful. This produced a conditioned reflex. However, modern humane training (positive reinforcement method) also exists. For example, in the Brothers Zapashny's circus, bears are worked with through treats (honey, cookies, fish). But any training of a wild animal is a stress for it. A bear remains a predator, and even the most gentle circus bear can send its trainer to the hospital at any moment.

Famous bear performers

The most famous bear in the history of the circus is Mikhail Potapych (known from the film "Circus" with Lyubov Orlova). In the 1930s, in the USSR, a bear named Yasha performed in Europe. In modern circuses — the Kukachyov bears (cats, yes, but bears too). Brothers Edgard and Aslold Zapashny work with brown bears: their number "Bear Rock 'n' Roll" is well-known. In the western circus (Cirque du Soleil), live bears are not used — only acrobats in costumes. However, in the old American Ringling Brothers circus, there was a famous bear juggler.

Numbers and tricks: what a circus bear can do

The standard set includes walking on hind legs, somersaults, riding a bicycle, rollerblading, "handshakes," playing musical instruments (actually, imitating movements), juggling with pins. The more complex include balancing on a ball, passing through a burning hoop, "bear football" (kicking a ball with a paw). In the best cases, a bear can do a handstand. Some bears can open a lock with their beak — this is a high level of intelligence.

Ethics and modernity: why bears are being removed from the circus

Since the 2000s, animal rights activists have actively opposed the use of bears in circuses. The reasons include an unnatural living environment (small cells, light, noise), cruel training methods (even "humane" involve suppressing the will), and a short lifespan (bears live 15-20 years in the circus instead of 30-40). Some countries (Greece, India, the Netherlands) have even banned the use of wild animals in circuses. In Russia, such a ban does not yet exist, but public opinion is changing. More and more often, audiences choose circuses without animals. Bears are replaced by animatronics or acrobats in costumes.

What happens to bears after the circus

In the past, old performers were euthanized. Now, there are sanctuaries for circus bears (for example, "Wild Garden" in the Kaluga region). There, animals undergo rehabilitation: they are taught not to be afraid of the forest and to forage. Not all can be released into the wild — they have become too accustomed to humans. But even life in a pen with a pool and stumps is better than a cell before the show. Bears that have been saved from traveling circuses often suffer from obesity and psychological disorders (rocking from side to side).

The bear performer is a contradictory image. On the one hand, it causes laughter and applause. On the other hand, it reminds us of how man has subjugated nature. Watch the bear number, but think: what does the performer itself feel?

Permanent link to this publication: