A three-year-old girl named Faten is in critical condition following a sudden attack by a lion cub owned by Luba El-Helw the National Circus in Agouza. The incident occurred during an unauthorized photo session involving an animal owned by trainer Luba El-Helw after the main performance had concluded.
What was intended as a routine visit has resulted in a severe medical crisis, raising urgent questions regarding safety protocols and the management of wild animals in public spaces.
Medical Condition Worsens Following Brain Hemorrhage Diagnosis
Faten’s health deteriorated significantly as new medical reports emerged. While she initially underwent emergency surgery for deep facial lacerations, her father confirmed that follow-up scans have revealed a brain hemorrhage.
According to family accounts, the cub’s teeth remained clamped on the toddler for several minutes, requiring her uncle to manually pry its jaws open to rescue her. Doctors are currently monitoring the internal bleeding as she remains under intensive care.
Investigation Uncovers Unauthorized Rental of the Predator for Photos
The investigation is currently focused on an illegal commercial arrangement involving a freelance photographer not employed by the National Circus. According to Cairo 24, this individual rented the cub from trainer Luba El-Helw to charge visitors for souvenir photographs.
Tamer Abdel Moneim, head of the Artistic House for Folk and Performing Arts, reviewed surveillance footage showing the photographer’s assistant handling the predator without professional supervision while El-Helw was occupied with her scheduled performance.
Following that, Giza prosecutors have launched a formal inquiry into the incident, questioning Luba El-Helw regarding the oversight and handling of her animals. Although the trainer was released on a 20,000 EGP bail, she has been officially suspended from all work at the circus pending the final results of the investigation. The prosecution is examining the negligence that allowed a predatory animal to be utilized by unlicensed individuals in an unsecured area of the facility.
The National Circus management has clarified that it does not own the predators used in its shows, instead contracting private trainers who bear full legal and personal responsibility for their animals.
Minister of Culture Dr. Gihan Zaki has demanded a comprehensive report on the security breach and the health status of Faten. The Artistic House emphasizes that this tragedy resulted from a private commercial deal that bypassed all official regulations and safety standards.
