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

History: from troubadours to world arenas

The first mentions of dancing bears in Russia date back to the 11th century. Troubadours led bears on leashes, performing "bear comedy": the animal portrayed a drunkard, a woman, fought with the 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. In the Soviet Union, the circus school refined training to perfection: bears rode motorcycles, played balalaikas, lifted dumbbells.

Training methods: from the whip to the treat

Traditional bear training was based on pain. Metal rings were used in the nose (pulled on), whips, hunger. The bear remembered: if it didn't stand on its hind legs, it would be painful. This was how a conditioned reflex was developed. However, modern humane training (positive reinforcement method) also exists. For example, in the Zapashny brothers' 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 a trainer to the hospital at any moment.

Famous performing bears

The most famous bear in circus history is Mikhail Potapych (known from the film "Circus" with Lyubov Orlova). In the 1930s, in the Soviet Union, there was a bear named Yasha, which toured Europe. In modern circuses, there are Kukachyov's bears (cats are okay, but bears were also his). Brothers Edgar and Askold 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 acrobat.

Numbers and tricks: what a circus bear can do

The standard set includes walking on hind legs, somersaults, riding a bicycle, rollerblading, "handshake," playing musical instruments (actually — imitating movements), juggling with batons. The complex ones include balancing on a ball, passing through a burning hoop, "bear football" (kicking the ball with a paw). In the best cases, a bear can do a handstand. Some bears can open locks with their beaks — 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. Reasons: an unnatural habitat (tight cages, light, noise), cruel training methods (even "humane" imply the suppression of will), 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 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 put to sleep. 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, to find food. Not all can be released into the wild — they are too accustomed to humans. But even life in a pen with a pool and stumps is better than a cage before a performance. Bears saved from traveling circuses often suffer from obesity, psychological disorders (rocking from side to side).

The circus bear is a contradictory image. On the one hand, it brings a smile and applause. On the other hand, it reminds us of how humans have subdued nature. Watch the bear number, but think: what does the performer feel himself?

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