What was supposed to be a relaxing day out at the zoo quickly turned into a disturbing and emotional experience for families in Perm. At the city’s newly opened zoo, horrified visitors watched as an elderly bear named Tosha was electrocuted—not once, but three times—inside his enclosure.
The incident, which has since sparked concern and outrage, left both spectators and the animal shaken.
Screams, Tears, and Panic at the Enclosure
According to one eyewitness who spoke with Gazeta.ru, things escalated quickly after the first electric jolt.
“The bear soiled himself from the shock,” the witness recalled. “People started yelling, children were crying.
My daughter said she never wants to come back here. I was in total shock and ran off to find someone—anyone—who could help.”
But the horror didn’t end there. The eyewitness returned to the enclosure only to be told that Tosha had received additional shocks and eventually sank beneath the water, not resurfacing for what felt like a terrifyingly long time.
Onlookers feared he might drown right in front of them.
Questions Raised About Zoo Safety
While many believed Tosha was in serious danger, the zoo staff later issued a statement attempting to downplay the severity of the situation.
According to a report from 59.ru, the zoo’s press service insisted that the electric fencing used inside the enclosure poses no real threat to the animals’ health.
Still, the sight of a visibly distressed, aging bear struggling in water after an electric shock was difficult for many to ignore.
The zoo confirmed that 32-year-old Tosha had trouble climbing out of the pool afterward due to reduced motor function, which they attributed to his age.
Fortunately, he received on-site medical assistance.
Public Reaction and Growing Concern
Despite the zoo’s reassurances, many visitors are not convinced everything was handled properly.
With children in tears and adults visibly shaken, the experience has sparked concern about the ethics and safety standards of the new zoo.
If this is how elderly animals are treated or protected, people are beginning to ask—what else might be going on behind the scenes?