Nataliya Durova Trainer Date of Birth: 13.04.1934 Country: Russia

1. Natalya Durova: The Circus Trainer with a Passion for Animals
2. A Love for Animals
3. A Beautiful Romance
4. A Lifelong Love
5. The Legacy Continues
6. A Lasting Legacy

Natalya Durova: The Circus Trainer with a Passion for Animals

Natalya Durova is the granddaughter of the legendary Lev Durov and is now at the helm of the Durov Circus, a theater like no other in the world. Known for her deep love for all her animals, Natalya has a special bond with her chimpanzee, Yasha, whom she considers to be like her second son.

A Love for Animals

Natalya's devotion to her animals is evident in the way she cares for them. On one occasion, when Natalya lost consciousness during a performance, Yasha, the chimpanzee, came to her rescue. Yasha not only gently seated Natalya on a chair and guided her offstage to fetch medicine, but also continued the performance flawlessly, following the program precisely. Yasha is a constant companion to Natalya, even joining her in her car and enjoying a cigarette.

A Beautiful Romance

Natalya's life has not only been dedicated to her animals, but she has also experienced a beautiful romance that rivals any soap opera. She married at the age of 20, a year after her mother tragically died in a car accident. One day, overwhelmed with grief after a performance, Natalya found solace in a corner behind the circus curtains. It was there that a stranger approached her, a mature and handsome man, who comforted her with just a touch. In a calm voice, he said, "I know you will be my wife." At that time, Natalya was already engaged to be married. However, she chose to follow her heart and be with this mysterious man, who turned out to be actor Mikhail Bolduman. Despite objections from others due to their 36-year age difference, Natalya and Mikhail secretly married in a church, and later had their marriage officially recognized.

A Lifelong Love

Natalya's love for Mikhail was unwavering throughout their 30 years of marriage. They rarely argued, and when they did, it was in silence without raising their voices. They radiated a special glow not only towards each other, but also towards others, attracting people to them. Mikhail was a calm and kind man who shared Natalya's deep love for animals. Throughout their marriage, Natalya's circus earnings were often spent on tickets and hotels for Mikhail, who would rush to join her in different cities after his own performances. After his shows, often late at night, Mikhail would go to the train station to load crates of fish to prevent Natalya's beloved animals from going hungry.

The Legacy Continues

Despite the challenges of constantly being on tour, Natalya and Mikhail's love remained strong. They had a son named Misha, who showed great talent from a young age. Misha started school at the age of four and entered university at fourteen. Today, he is a doctor of science specializing in marine biology and the preservation of marine life from contamination. Natalya herself had a passion for marine mammals and worked towards their protection and rescue.

A Lasting Legacy

Natalya's dedication to her animals and her circus is unmatched. When asked about retirement, she firmly states that she will continue working until her last breath. She has many students around the world who follow the Durov method of animal training, and she relies on them to carry on her legacy. Natalya firmly believes that harmony of the soul is the secret to love and friendship, and her love for her animals and her late husband shines as a testament to this belief.