4-year-old girl was attacked by a lion in a circus

Little Ksenia survived the horrific incident but doctors said she will be "scarred for life" by severe injuries to her face and chest.

One internet user said the wild animal had punctured the thin mesh as it charged towards Ksenia. The victim is currently being treated at the Central Republican Hospital in Krasnodar.

"There was a bite mark on the girl's face that extended from her ear to her chin. An eyewitness said that Ksenia's mother let her approach the safety net and waved the banner. The lioness reacted to this action and used her claws to pull the girl inside the stage, then bit her on the head.

The circus staff immediately pulled the animal out and took the victim to the hospital. Her health is currently stable, her life is not in danger," said Valentina Pavlova, a member of the medical team caring for Ksenia.

Ksenia is currently in intensive care. Edgard Zapashny, director of the Big Moscow circus, said that both the circus and the girl's mother were responsible for the incident.

"I am sure that the mistake lies with the circus owner and director, the lion trainer and the girl's parents for not paying attention to their child even though they were sitting in the first row," said Mr. Zapashny.