Eight African lions staged their first rehearsal for the 3rd China International Circus Festival at the Hengqin Island Theater on Sept 7. 

The high-blooded African lions imported from Russia are led by menagerie founder Goncharov Vladyslav from Ukraine. Thirteen lions arrived in Zhuhai a month ago and were kept at the Chimelong Imported Entertainment Animal Quarantine Station for a 30-day isolation and quarantine period. Only eight will make their Asian debut at the circus festival. 

Lion tamer Goncharov Vladyslav

At the rehearsal, Goncharov guided the eight adult males to bow and to salute with folded hands, climb up a bridge, and sit in a row. He also shouldered a 250 kg lion and his 12-year-old son Timur to pose as building blocks, winning immense applause from the audience.  

Lion tamer shoulders his son and a large male cat.

Li Chi, performing general manager of Guangdong Chimelong Group Co Ltd, said it’s rare to see so many male lions performing together. “The whole performance is smooth. The lions respond naturally to Goncharov’s eye contact and petty actions, showing harmonious relationship between human and animals,” he said. 

Goncharov Vladyslav shoulders a lion.

The 3rd International Circus Festival will be held at Chimelong International Circus City in Hengqin New Area on Nov 18-27, only some 70 days from now. Twenty-three foreign and about four domestic circus performances are slated, according to Li. 

Goncharov Vladyslav and son Timur [Photos by Li Jianshu & Chen Subi / Zhuhai Daily]