Natalya Durova

Natalya Durova (1934-2007) was a Russian/Soviet circus performer and animal trainer. She first began performing in the circus at the age of four. During World War II she performed for the Red Army. She was given the Guards' badge by G.K. Zhukov when she was nine years old. She also directed the Durov Animal Theatre. She was a People's Artist of the USSR and a People's Artist of Russia.