Masha, an 11 year-old bear, before a performance in St.Petersburg

Mikhail, a trainer from a travelling circus troupe based in Moscow, grooms Masha, an 11 year-old bear, during rehearsals at the Circus on Fontanka in St.Petersburg February 1, 2013. The troupe, which has four bears who have completed a three year training programme, will soon perform for the first time in 20 years in Russia's second city. Source: Reuters

All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.