Circus in Egypt’s Tanta closed after tiger mauls performer leading to arm amputation

CAIRO – 4 April 2025: Authorities have permanently closed a traveling circus in northern Egypt’s Tanta after a white tiger terrifyingly attacked a circus worker during an Eid Al-Fitr performance in front of a screaming crowd.

A disturbing video of the incident circulated widely, showing the victim, Mohamed Abdel Fattah outside the cage struggling to free his arm while the tiger clamped down fiercely. Despite his and other workers’ efforts to pull away, the tiger held on stubbornly until he was finally released.

Abdel Fattah was handling lions and tigers for the live show when he was unexpectedly attacked by the tiger. He was transported to the hospital, where he had his left arm amputated due to extensive tissue and vascular damage.

There were no reported injuries among the audience.

The incident brings back to memory a heartbreaking incident in 1984, when the notorious lion Sultan attacked renowned Egyptian trainer Mohamed El-Helw during a performance, leading to his death a few days later.

Helw requested that the lion not be killed. The lion was later transferred to a zoo, where it was classified as too dangerous for training before dying shortly thereafter.

In response to this week’s tragic event, Governor of Gharbia Ashraf El-Gendi has provided immediate financial support to Mohamed Abdel Fattah to help him through this difficult time.

 

The governor also directed expediting the allocation of a monthly pension for Abdel Fattah to ensure a dignified life following his injury, which has rendered him unable to return to his previous job.

Abdel Fattah signed new employment contracts in front of the governor, following coordination with the labor directorate to provide a suitable job for his health condition.

The governor assured him that this new position would be a fresh start and that the governorate would continue to support him as he navigates this challenging period.