Circus artists "Noelia and Natalia and the elephants Gran Circo Mundial" perform during the second "New Generation" International Circus Festival in Monaco. — AFP Photo

Masha, an 11 year-old bear from a travelling circus troupe based in Moscow, practises a tightrope walking act during rehearsals at the Circus on Fontanka in St.Petersburg . — AFP Photo

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Julia, a 6 year-old bear, and Vladimir Shzigorev, of a travelling circus troupe based in Moscow, practises a tightrope walking act during rehearsals at the Circus on Fontanka in St.Petersburg February 1, 2013. — AFP Photo

Circus lions perform during the second New Generation International Circus Festival in Monaco. — AFP Photo

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Circus artists Hebei perform during the second New Generation International Circus Festival in Monaco. — AFP Photo

Circus artists Noelia and Natalia and the elephants Gran Circo Mundial perform the second New Generation International Circus Festival in Monaco. — AFP Photo

Circus artist Nyko Kenjys performs during the second "New Generation" International Circus Festival in Monaco. — AFP Photo