In the ring with tigers and lions, they aren’t “owners,” not supervisors, not tame-masters. First of all, they are the leaders of this pack—leaders who know the psychology of predators and show that a person can communicate with these animals the way you do at a bite’s and a paw-swing’s distance. And here it’s simple: either you show that you’re morally stronger, or one day you’ll be ripped apart—quite literally.
Representatives of the famous circus dynasty, outstanding trainers, founders and leaders of the “Circus of the Brothers Zapashny” — People’s Artists of Russia Edgаrd and Askold Zapashny — have long become not only a famous brand, but also a symbol of Russia’s circus industry. In their book, they openly and emotionally talk about childhood “in sawdust,” first steps on the arena, successes and failures, teachers and students, politics and personal life. About the back side of the profession—literally soaked in sweat and blood—and about magnificent world-class shows.