My Animals. Stories

Vladimir Leonidovich Durov – a famous Russian and Soviet animal trainer, founder of the oldest circus dynasty – was born in Moscow a century and a half ago. Vladimir and his brother Anatoly were orphaned early and were raised in... the family of their godfather, who wanted them to pursue a military career. But the brothers had other plans, and they ran away from home and joined a traveling circus, where they mastered the craft of jugglers, clowns, and acrobats; Vladimir even worked as a "strongman" and magician.

The Durov brothers were the first circus performers to perform under their surname, rather than under foreign pseudonyms. Anatoly chose a career as a clown, while Vladimir dedicated himself to training. He was the first in the world to manage to train an anteater and brought a fox without a collar to the circus stage. Vladimir Leonidovich successfully worked with animals of more than 50 species, and you will learn about some of them (elephants, hedgehogs, sea lions, etc.) from this book. Vladimir Durov is the hero of A. P. Chekhov’s famous story “Kashtanka.” (This story actually happened, except that the dog stayed with the trainer.)
Vladimir Durov loved his animals and never mistreated them. “Love, affection, and treats” were the foundation of his training system. Vladimir Leonidovich wrote many books about his favorites, including a collection called “My Animals,” several stories from which are included in this book. Here you will find stories about intelligent, funny, and mischievous animals – and about a man who loved them and dedicated his life and talent to them.
For younger school age. The texts of the works are presented without omissions.