This is the terrifying moment a lion attacked a holidaymaker during a circus show in China.

Footage shows the distressed big cat jumping through metal rings as a handler, holding two sticks, commands it to perform inside a large cage in Yuncheng, Shanxi, on January 31.

The visibly injured animal can be heard growling before suddenly attacking a man standing close to the enclosure.

Upon seeing this, another individual inside the cage repeatedly struck the malnourished feline as it clamped its jaws onto the victim, who collapsed to the ground.

Nearby spectators rushed to pull the injured man away from the enraged animal.

Local media reported that circus staff managed to remove the victim and rushed him to the hospital for treatment.

In 2020, a tiger from the same circus attacked its trainer during a show, leaving three trainers injured—one of whom lost a finger.

Animals in circuses are often subjected to stressful conditions, including loud noises, bright lights, and constant travel, which can lead to anxiety and abnormal behaviours.

Circuses frequently use harsh training methods, involving physical punishment, restraint, and deprivation, to force animals to perform tricks.