A worker was mauled to death by a circus bear after entering the animal’s cage.
The seven-year-old brown bear tore off Valentin Bulich's scalp inside the enclosure at a top Russian circus.
Bulich, 28, suffered multiple severe wounds before colleagues pulled him clear.
“Circus workers tried to save the victim's life, but to no avail,” said a statement from the world famous Great Moscow State Circus.
It added: “In a critical condition, he was taken to Vinogradov State Clinical Hospital, where he died of his wounds.”
The circus said that Bulich had committed a “gross violation of safety rules” in entering the bear cage on a day off for performers.
His motive for doing so is now under investigation.
A neighbour said Bulich was hardworking and dedicated to his job as an animal care worker.
“We know him only from the positive side - he did not drink nor smoke, calm, he was a balanced, kind young man,” the neighbour said.
Law enforcement believe that “for some reason the man deliberately violated all the safety rules,” reported Moskovsky Komsomolets.
The report added: “Valentin locked the cage from the inside.
“He had no chance to survive - the bear removed his scalp.”
The circus has a troupe of three Russian bears which perform with the Alexandrov family.
A decision has been taken not to shoot dead the bear, said the circus.
A criminal investigation is underway into the man’s death.
Recently, animal rights campaigners in Russia have expressed concern over a series of incidents involving circus animals.
Irina Novozhilova, of animal rights group VITA, said: “No circus conditions will be humane for one simple reason.
“Training goes hand in hand with cruelty.
“Circuses are always cruel beyond limits. And circuses with animals should be banned.”
