The circus bear is a classic. A hundred years ago, no traveling show was complete without a bear walking on its hind legs, bowing, juggling a ball. But behind this adorable picture lies years of cruel training, a broken animal 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 global arenas

The first mentions of dancing bears in Russia date back to the 11th century. Troubadours led bears on leashes, performing "bear comedy": the bear portrayed a drunk man, 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. The circus school in the USSR took training to perfection: bears rode on motorcycles, played the balalaika, lifted dumbbells.

Training methods: from the whip to the carrot

Traditional bear training was based on pain. Metal rings were used in their noses (they were pulled), whips, hunger. The bear memorized: if he didn't stand on his hind legs, it would hurt. This was how a conditioned reflex was developed. 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 affectionate circus bear can send a trainer to the hospital at any moment.

Famous performing bears

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, there are Kukachyov's bears (cats are fine, but he also had bears). Brothers Edgard and Askold Zapashny work with brown bears: their number "Bear Rock 'n' Roll" is 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, "handshaking," playing musical instruments (actually, imitating movements), juggling with arrows. The complex includes 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 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 (tight cages, light, noise), cruel training methods (even "humane" involve suppressing the will), a short lifespan (bears live 15-20 years in circuses 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 put to sleep. Now there are shelters 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 forage for 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 show. Bears that were saved from traveling circuses often suffer from obesity, psychological disorders (rocking back and forth).

The circus bear is a contradictory image. On the one hand, it causes smiles 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 himself feel?

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