There is a reason why big cats like lions and tigers, despite being so fascinating, are considered to be the most fearsome animals in the animal kingdom.

© Instagram/Kody Antle

A very recent example of this was a horrifying incident when a lioness mauled her trainer during a circus performance in Russia.

According to the scary footage which has gone viral on social media, a lioness named Vega could be seen attacking her trainer Maxi Orlov in front of spectators during one of the shows at the Ural Travelling Circus.

The footage showed the lioness jumping onto Orlov and sinking her teeth into the trainer just as he advanced towards her with a pole.

It was reported that scared children and parents rushed out from the arena after seeing the incident, with one woman even suffering an epileptic seizure after witnessing the shocking scene. 

"The lionesses went berserk. When we ran away, there was a wild roar from the animals. The tamer was attacked," said a witness. 

Fortunately, Orlov and other members of the circus were able to fend off the big cat, after which the trainer was rushed to the hospital with injuries to his arms and legs. 

As per reports, prior to the performance, Vega had already been seen brawling with another lioness in the ring. 

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