My Animals

Vladimir Leonidovich Durov - a famous Russian and Soviet animal trainer, the founder of the oldest circus dynasty - was born in Moscow a century and a half ago. Vladimir and his brother Anatoly were orphaned at an early age and were raised by their godfather, who wanted them to dedicate themselves to a military career. But the brothers had other plans, and the boys ran away from home and joined a traveling circus, where they learned the craft of jugglers, clowns, acrobats. Vladimir even had the opportunity to work as a strongman and magician.
The Durov brothers were the first circus artists to perform under their own surname, rather than under foreign pseudonyms. Anatoly chose a career as a clown, and Vladimir devoted himself to animal training. He was the first in the world to train an anteater and brought a fox into the circus arena without a collar. Vladimir Leonidovich successfully worked with over 50 species of animals, and you will learn about some of them (elephants, hedgehogs, sea lions, etc.) from this book. Vladimir Durov is the hero of Anton Chekhov's famous story "Kashtanka". (This story actually happened, only the dog remained with the trainer.)
Vladimir Durov loved his animals and never mistreated them. "Love, affection, and treats" - that's what he based his training system on. Vladimir Leonidovich wrote many books about his beloved animals, including the collection "My Animals", several stories from which are included in this book. Here you will find stories about smart, funny, and mischievous animals - and about the man who loved them and dedicated his life and talent to them.
For elementary school age. The texts of the works are presented without abbreviations.