A circus performance in Russia took a dangerous turn when an elephant, mid-act atop a set of raised platform stands, lost its footing after the stands shifted and slipped. The animal fell to the ground in front of a stunned audience. While circus officials stated the elephant was checked by veterinary staff following the fall, the incident has drawn renewed criticism from animal rights groups who argue that such acts put animals at unnecessary risk. This is not the first safety concern raised at Russian circuses, which continue to allow performances involving wild and exotic animals