Watch a Tiger Escape a Circus Act and Wreak Havoc

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Written by Kirstin Harrington

Updated: November 10, 2023

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Tiger learning through rings of fire.
© Unknown/Shutterstock.com

Families can see a variety of acts when the traveling circus came to town. While many people don’t support the cruel acts of a circus these days, there is an endless library of videos online that showcase what you could see at these shows. 

In 2017, circus-goers in China experienced a terrifying moment as they were watching animals in a cage. Although the video is low-quality, it looks like there are monkeys and a tiger in the cage with a pair of circus performers. 

Since about 1831, when the French trainer Henri Martin was working in Germany and is presumed to have entered a cage with a tiger, wild animals have been a part of the circus. Around this time, elephants, bears, monkeys, and horses all played prominent roles in other plays that were presented in theaters and circuses.

During this 2017 performance, the audience begins to shriek as one of the tigers appears to start slashing through the spaces of the cage walls. Eventually, the circus performer checks the tiger and the large cat backs off. 

One thing humans should always be aware of is: wild animals are always wild, no matter how much they’ve been trained. The tiger quickly makes another bolt toward the side of the cage and spectators begin to flee. 

Two children were injured during the break-out and spent the following two days in the hospital. 

Circus Animals

Big top tent circus, Chapiteau carnival show with trained animals and strongman. Vector cirque big top tent, monkey and seal with juggling balls, a

horse

with rider and strong man with a barbell

©iStock.com/seamartini

History of Tigers in the Circus

Big cats are frequently made to live in teeny, claustrophobic cages in circuses. Lions and tigers are often denied the chance to exercise, wander, and play because circuses transport their animals from city to city in sterile cages. 

Many large cats are compelled to urinate, eat, sleep, and drink in the same location. Many only see some reprieve from their essentially constant captivity during their brief appearances, when they are exposed to public boos and whippings.

They are trained by being punished and denied food. Because no official organization oversees training sessions, circuses may quickly get away with daily mistreatment. Big cats are struck with sticks by their handlers as they are dragged by thick chains around their necks.

Circus Tiger Jumps Through Fire

A circus tiger jumps through fire even though tigers are instinctively afraid of fire.

©SGr/Shutterstock.com

One of the most infamous acts you’ll see at a circus is a tiger jumping through rings of fire. Tigers have an instinctive fear of fire. However, they are made to leap through burning hoops as part of numerous circus shows. 

Handlers must consistently reprimand animals who do not cooperate in order to train tigers to perform these risky leaps. Tigers won’t engage in such antics until they have overcome their innate fear of fire and the pain and punishment that comes with it.


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About the Author

Kirstin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering animals, news topics, fun places, and helpful tips. Kirstin has been writing on a variety of topics for over five years. She has her real estate license, along with an associates degree in another field. A resident of Minnesota, Kirstin treats her two cats (Spook and Finlay) like the children they are. She never misses an opportunity to explore a thrift store with a coffee in hand, especially if it’s a cold autumn day!

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