“I put my head in the lion’s mouth and let go of my hand for the first time”: Vladislav Goncharov performed a risky stunt in Moscow 19.02.2023, 10:05

The premiere of the performance “Kingdom” took place in the Great Moscow Circus. The performance caused a stir – all tickets were sold out. Both adults and children enjoyed immersing themselves in the atmosphere of circus magic. Acrobats, aerial gymnasts, tightrope walkers showed their skills for them. cyclists.

The entire performance was entertained by a couple of clowns – the winner of many international circus festivals Ksenia Zubova and the actor of the series “House Arrest”, former KVN player Artem Bobtsov. “I am in love with my partner, a harmful witch. And I try to please her. But she ignores me. And only at the end of the performance will a miracle happen, “explained the artist, whose height is 132 cm.

The trained animals made the biggest impression on many viewers. Huskies made incredible jumps, walked on their hind legs and rolled their owner Jekatěrina Kořenková on a sled. Parrots Daria and Alexandra Onoprienko hilariously flipped in the arena, rolled down the hill and even rode a bike and pedaled.

The only trainer of sea lions in the world, Vasiliy Timchenko, delighted the audience with spectacular performances. His charges twirled hoops, juggled balls and begged for fish with various tricks.

And in the finale of the performance, the winner of the Silver Clown at the Monte Carlo Festival and other prestigious circus awards, Vladislav Gončarov, brought nine African lions into the arena. The raptors jumped over each other, built a pyramid and raised their paws, prompting the audience to applaud. The trainer carried on his shoulders the king of animals weighing more than 200 kg.

More than one viewer’s heart froze when Vladislav stuck his head into the lion’s mouth. After the performance, the artist told the VOICE journalist what was special about this performance today.

“I used to do the head in mouth trick with one hand. It hurt when the lion pressed down with his fangs, so I had to hold him with my hand. But today the lion was in a good mood, so I let go of this hand for the first time, ”said Goncharov.

All African lions are residents of our country, they were born in Russia – from Novosibirsk to Crimea. Predators from youth tour with coach. They live with him until the end of their days. Feeling whether it is possible to take a risk now, Vladislav thrusts his head into the lion’s mouth.

“During 25 years of living with males, I developed an animal instinct,” he said. – I can feel when the lion starts to show aggression. The lion is an elite animal that cannot be outsmarted or deceived. I always see how it is set today. I often understand that you need to be more gentle with him. If Leo doesn’t reciprocate, then I’ll slow down.

They often kill fountains in the show. According to the trainer, the main problem with this program for his pets was that they never walked on a wet floor. The lions were very slippery. The circus team prepared everything technically so that the predators feel safe in the arena.

Goncharov told how the arrival of spring affects the characters of lions. “This is the most painful subject. When the air warms up, constantly around plus five, the lions begin to open in all their glory. They start aggressing, protecting each other, showing character. In nature, this is called estrus. Days and weeks follow. This is the most dangerous time, then the animals even start to attack, “admitted Vladislav.

Recently, a lion attacked a trainer during a performance in a circus in Sochi. The Predator knocked Alexei Makarenko to the floor. His wife Olga Borisová rushed to help the man. She managed to get it back from the lion. Alexey showed what his body looks like after the attack of the beast. “Thank you so much to my soulmate Olga Borisova, she saved my life!” – he said.

In November, Edgard Zapashny was attacked by a tiger. The People’s Artist of Russia showed shocking footage – he had bloody wounds on his face. The coach said he got them during practice. “I have 14 stitches,” explained the general director of the Great Moscow Circus. According to him, there were two such cases in the world that ended in the death of people.