A lion attacked a trainer during a circus performance in Sochi, Russia, on January 4.

Footage captured by a member of the audience shows the moment one of the big cats pounced onto Alexei Makarenko's back.

His wife, Olga Borisova, quickly rushes over and starts whipping the lion. A water cannon was also used to distract the animal.

As Makarenko regained his footing, he picked up a platform and threw it at the lion before it ran back into its enclosure.

After the lions exited the stage area, the couple carried on their performance and the audience began applauding them.

Makarenko was taken to hospital following the performance and he received treatment for numerous bite and claw marks on his back.

African lions, the stars of a New Year's program called "Star Cruise" at the Sochi circus in Russia, turned violent during a performance on January 4, 2023. The incident was captured on video and has since been circulating online. The couple, Alexei Makarenko and Olga Borisova, were taming the lions when the animals refused to obey and began to destroy the props.

At one point during the performance, one of the predators approached Alexei from behind, jumped up, and bit him. The trainer fell from the attack, and Olga quickly ran to help him. She drove the animal away and helped the victim get up.

After the incident, the lions were quickly herded into an enclosure. Alexei was rushed to a medical facility, where he received treatment for the numerous bite and claw marks left on his back by the predator.

It is believed that two young lions were on stage during the performance and got into a conflict. When the tamers tried to calm the animals down, one of them attacked the man. The reason for the attack is still unknown, but it has been speculated that it was due to stress caused by the performance or a territorial dispute between the animals.