An animal trainer is in critical condition after being savagely mauled by tigers during a performance at an expensive restaurant in Germany.
Diners at the upmarket circus-themed venue in Hamburg watched in horror as the Bengal tigers began to eat Christian Walliser alive, according to reports.
"He didn't stand a chance," the Daily Mail quoted one of the guests as saying.
"They were on him in an instant."
Ismet Mueller, Walliser's friend in the 200-strong audience, described the attack as "horrible" to watch.
"They were treating him like a rag doll," he said.
The attack reportedly occurred when Walliser lost concentration during the act.
Three of the five tigers set upon the 28-year-old trainer, biting his hands, upper body and head in front of the stunned crowd.
Medics set up an improvised emergency therapy station at the venue to treat guests following the attack, with about 20 audience members reportedly suffering shock.
Walliser has undergone emergency surgery and is still in critical condition.
The owners of Pagel's Dinner Circus, who charge $220 per person for the unique dining experience, said their show would continue.
"Christian would want it that way," a spokesman was quoted as saying.
"The tigers were only playing with him but the human body can't take such games."
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