THE BALLOON MAN

Circus lions perform during the second New Generation International Circus Festival in Monaco. — AFP Photo

Julia, a 6 year-old bear, and Vladimir Shzigorev, of a travelling circus troupe based in Moscow, practises a tightrope walking act during rehearsals at the Circus on Fontanka in St.Petersburg

MARSHA

Masha, an 11 year-old bear from a travelling circus troupe based in Moscow, practises a tightrope walking act during rehearsals at the Circus on Fontanka in St.Petersburg . — AFP Photo