Giant sturgeon tried to swallow a mermaid performer in Chinese aquarium, who was offered £78 (around $96) in “moral damages”
A shocking incident unfolded at Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park in China. On January 28, 2025, a giant Chinese sturgeon attacked a 22-year-old Russian mermaid performer during a live underwater show.
The performer, Mariia Zelenina, known professionally as Masha, was bitten on the head, sparking panic among spectators.
Viral video footage captured the terrifying moment, raising concerns about safety in aquarium performances.
The incident has drawn global attention, with questions swirling about the park’s response and the risks of working with wild animals.
Background
Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, located in Yunnan Province, is a popular tourist destination.
Its freshwater aquarium showcases native species from the Mekong and Yangtze Rivers.
Among these is the Chinese sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis), a critically endangered fish known for its massive size.
These ancient creatures can grow up to 15 feet long and weigh over 1,000 pounds, making them a highlight of the park’s exhibits.
Mariia Zelenina, a 22-year-old Russian performer, has worked at the park for 10 months.
Performing as “Masha,” she dons a bikini top and mermaid tail to swim among fish, entertaining families and children.
Her role requires grace and confidence, as she interacts with aquatic life in close quarters.
The aquarium’s vibrant ecosystem, including rare amphibians and fish, draws thousands of visitors annually.
The Incident
On January 28, 2025, Masha was performing her routine solo in the aquarium tank.
Video footage, widely shared on platforms like X , shows her gliding through the water, waving to families.
Smaller fish swim around her as she moves toward the surface. Suddenly, a massive Chinese sturgeon appears above her head.
Without warning, the fish opens its jaws and clamps down on Masha’s face, nearly engulfing her head.
Spectators, including many children, screamed in horror. The footage captures the chaos as Masha struggles to free herself.
After a few tense seconds, she breaks away and swims frantically to the surface. The sturgeon, seemingly unbothered, continues its path through the tank.
The incident, described as “harrowing” by onlookers, has since gone viral, with millions viewing the shocking video.
Masha later spoke about the attack in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE . “I didn’t understand what was going on,” she said.
“I was scared, but I had to stay calm for the children.” She noted that she had performed with the same fish for months without issue, making the attack unexpected.
Aftermath
The attack left Masha with injuries to her head, neck, and eye. The sturgeon consumed her goggles and nose clips, integral parts of her mermaid costume.
Despite her pain, Russian media reports claim she was forced to continue performing. This allegation remains unconfirmed by the park.
Following the incident, Masha was offered approximately $96 (around £78) in “moral damages” by park management.
Reports suggest she was instructed not to discuss the event publicly, with the park allegedly attempting to “cover up” the incident.
This has fueled criticism, with many accusing the park of prioritizing its reputation over performer safety.
In response, Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park suspended mermaid performances indefinitely.
The park is reportedly reviewing its safety protocols, though no official statement has been released.
Masha’s Account
Masha’s firsthand account provides chilling details. Speaking to PEOPLE, she described the moment the sturgeon “pounced” on her.
“I was with another mermaid performer just moments before,” she said. “I almost finished my solo and was supposed to surface, but a fish pounced on me.”
Her quick reaction allowed her to escape, but the experience left her shaken.
Masha emphasized the emotional toll of the attack. Performing in front of children, she felt compelled to remain composed despite her fear.
Her injuries required medical attention, though she has since recovered. Her story has resonated with audiences worldwide, sparking discussions about the risks performers face in such roles.
Context: Chinese Sturgeons
The Chinese sturgeon is an ancient species, existing for over 140 million years.
Native to the Yangtze River and coastal waters of China, it is critically endangered due to habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution.
Its bony plates and whisker-like barbels give it a prehistoric appearance. While not typically aggressive, its size and strength make it formidable in close quarters.
In aquariums, Chinese sturgeons are part of conservation efforts to preserve the species.
However, their unpredictable behavior in captivity poses risks. Experts note that sturgeons are bottom feeders and rarely attack humans unless provoked or stressed.
This incident underscores the challenges of housing large, wild animals in environments where they interact with humans.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Species | Chinese Sturgeon (Acipenser sinensis) |
| Size | Up to 15 feet long, over 1,000 pounds |
| Habitat | Yangtze River, coastal waters of China |
| Conservation Status | Critically Endangered (IUCN Red List) |
| Behavior | Generally non-aggressive, but unpredictable in captivity |
Safety Concerns
The attack has ignited a broader debate about aquarium safety. Critics argue that performers like Masha face unnecessary risks when swimming with large fish.
The incident draws parallels to past cases, such as the 2010 SeaWorld trainer death involving a killer whale.
Advocates for reform call for stricter regulations, including better training, protective barriers, and risk assessments.
Supporters of aquarium shows argue that with proper safety measures, such incidents are rare.
However, the lack of transparency from Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park has fueled skepticism.
The park’s minimal compensation offer and alleged attempt to silence Masha have drawn particular scrutiny.
Park’s Response
Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park has remained largely silent on the incident.
Sources indicate an internal review is underway, focusing on safety protocols for human-animal interactions.
The indefinite suspension of mermaid performances suggests the park acknowledges the severity of the event.
However, the lack of a public statement has left many questions unanswered.
For Masha, the incident was a traumatic ordeal that left physical and emotional scars.
For Xishuangbanna Primitive Forest Park, it has become a public relations challenge, with accusations of negligence and cover-ups.
As the park reviews its practices, the incident has sparked a global conversation about performer safety and the ethics of aquarium shows. Masha’s courage in speaking out highlights the need for greater protections.
