Circus Show Turns Tragic in Tanta as Tiger Mauls Performer
On April 4, a festive circus performance in the northern Egyptian city of Tanta ended in horror when a white tiger attacked a circus worker in full view of a shocked Eid al-Fitr audience. According to Egypt Today, the incident has since prompted the permanent closure of the circus and raised urgent questions about the safety of animal performances in Egypt.
The victim, Mohamed Abdel Fattah, a long-time animal handler, was performing his routine when the tiger suddenly latched onto his arm through the bars of its enclosure.
Eyewitness video, now widely circulated online, shows the terrifying moments as colleagues desperately tried to free him while panicked screams echoed from the audience.
Despite their efforts, the tiger maintained its grip for several minutes before finally letting go.
Emergency responders rushed Fattah to Tanta University Emergency Hospital, where a team of surgeons performed a complex four-hour operation.
Faced with extensive tissue and vascular damage, the doctors ultimately decided to amputate his left arm above the elbow to save his life.
Authorities Step In With Aid and Promises of Support
In the wake of the traumatic event, Gharbia Governor Ashraf El-Gendy took swift action, ordering the immediate and permanent closure of the circus involved. He also pledged direct financial assistance to Fattah and fast-tracked the provision of a monthly pension to help him navigate life after the incident.
Recognising the life-changing nature of the injury, the governor facilitated a new employment contract for Fattah through the labor directorate, ensuring he would receive a position suited to his health condition. Governor El-Gendy reaffirmed the local government’s commitment to supporting Fattah’s recovery and reintegration, calling the new role a step toward restoring his dignity and stability.
Legal and Veterinary Investigations Underway
Local prosecutors have suspended all circus operations in the governorate and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident. A committee from the Veterinary Medicine Authority has been assigned to inspect all animals at the circus. Authorities are also reviewing surveillance footage, inspecting the performance site, and interviewing witnesses, staff, and the injured worker himself.
Although the tiger involved in the attack was not euthanised, it has been withdrawn from all future shows and transferred to Cairo for retraining.
Trainer Anousa Kouta, who was present during the performance, explained that the attack occurred when the victim extended his arm into the enclosure. She confirmed that all other staff were safe and no audience members were harmed.
Historical Context and Safety Concerns
This incident is the latest in a series of dangerous encounters between trainers and wild animals in Egypt’s circus industry.
In 1984, a lion named Sultan fatally attacked prominent animal trainer Mohamed El-Helw during a performance. In a notable act of compassion, El-Helw reportedly asked authorities not to kill the lion.
Officials transferred Sultan to a zoo, where they later deemed him too dangerous for further training. The lion eventually died in captivity.
Nearly a decade ago, a similar incident occurred in Tanta when a lion injured renowned trainer Faten El-Helw during a live show.
Public Reaction and Calls for Reform
The tiger attack has sparked widespread concern about the safety of live animal performances and the conditions under which both animals and trainers operate.
Viewers prompted discussions of animal abuse.
Calls for Reform
With the circus permanently closed and all local performances suspended, the incident has renewed public debate over the future of circuses in Egypt and the ethical considerations of using wild animals in entertainment.
Watch the video here:
@yosri..jr A lion at Tanta’s circus devours a worker’s hand during Eid performances. #TantaLion #TantaLion #CircusIncident #EidShow #egypt #مصر #aid #اسد_مصر #اسد_طنطا #طنطا
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