Shocking moment tiger mauls circus tamer in front of horrified families at show
THIS is the terrifying moment a circus tamer was mauled by a tiger in front of horrified families during a live show.
Members of the audience in Italy gasped with horror as the beast sunk its teeth into keeper Ivan Orfei.
The 31-year-old was concentrating on one tiger sitting on top of a giant metal ring when another crept up behind him and pounced.
Ivan can be heard screaming as the rogue tiger clamps its jaws around his left leg.
As the keeper struggles to free himself, the tiger then jumps on his back and tries to bite his neck.
He only gets free when an assistant beats the tiger with one of the show’s props, allowing Ivan to limp away.
Following the shocking incent in Leece on December 29, Ivan was rushed to hospital with wounds to his neck and leg.
His injuries are said to be serious but non-life-threatening.
Local media reported that an investigation into the incident is now underway and that the tiger will be seen by a vet.
Speaking to Corriere Del Mezzogiorno from hospital, Ivan has vowed to return to the circus as soon as he can.
He said: “As soon as I’m 100 per cent back, I’ll be back in the cage with them (the tigers), with no problems and no negative thoughts towards them.
“I will go to the cage as if nothing happened.
“I was born as a tightrope walker, but taming tigers has always fascinated me.
“I love animals madly, working closely with fascinating animals like tigers is exciting.”
