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 image lie years of cruel training, a broken psyche of the animal, and, unfortunately, modern bans. How has the attitude towards bear performers 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 took training to perfection: bears rode motorcycles, played balalaikas, lifted dumbbells. Training methods: from the whip to the carrot Traditional bear training was built on pain. Metal rings were used in the nose (they were pulled), whips, hunger. The bear remembered: if it did not 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 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 Soviet Union, there was a bear named Yasha, which toured Europe. In modern circuses — Kukachyov's bears (cats — yes, but bears too). Brothers Edgar and Asmold Zapashny work with brown bears: their number "Bear Rock 'n' Roll" is famous. In the Western circus (Cirque d ... Read more