### 📍 The Incident at Lake Issyk-Kul

The incident occurred in the summer of 2018 during an ethnofestival in the Ton district of Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul region. The festival featured demonstrations of hunting birds, including golden eagles. An 8-year-old girl named Aziza inadvertently entered the area where the birds were being released. The golden eagle, trained for hunting displays, noticed her and swooped down, attacking her by pecking at the back of her head and grabbing her back with its claws. The girl sustained mild injuries and was promptly taken to the hospital. The eagle’s owner, Salavat, who had been training the bird for 15 years, visited her in the hospital and expressed concern over the incident, noting that it was the first time in 15 years that the bird had attacked a human. ([akipress.com][1], [akipress.com][2])

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### 🎥 The Viral Video

The terrifying moment was captured on video and shared by the AKIpress News Agency. The video gained significant attention, amassing over 7.8 million views on the AKIpress YouTube channel. Both the Russian and English versions of the video became popular, with the English version alone garnering nearly 6.8 million views. The video was broadcast by various TV channels worldwide, further amplifying its reach. ([akipress.com][1])

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### 🦅 Understanding Golden Eagles

Golden eagles are large birds of prey known for their impressive hunting skills. They primarily hunt medium-sized mammals and birds but are not typically a threat to humans. However, their powerful talons and keen eyesight make them formidable predators. In Kyrgyzstan, golden eagles have been used in traditional hunting practices for centuries, a practice known as berkutchi. The relationship between the hunter and the eagle is one of mutual respect and understanding.

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### ⚠️ Safety Measures at Ethnofestivals

Ethnofestivals showcasing traditional practices, including eagle hunting, are popular in Kyrgyzstan. These festivals attract tourists and locals alike, eager to witness the cultural heritage of the region. However, incidents like the one involving Aziza highlight the importance of strict safety measures. Organizers must ensure that restricted areas are clearly marked and that attendees are educated about the potential risks associated with interacting with trained hunting birds. It is crucial to maintain a safe distance from these powerful animals to prevent accidents.

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### 🧠 The Impact of the Incident

The incident had a profound impact on both the local community and the global audience that viewed the video. For the local community, it served as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in traditional practices and the importance of safety protocols. For the global audience, the video sparked discussions about the ethics of using animals in entertainment and the responsibilities of organizers in ensuring the safety of participants.

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### 📺 Watch the Shocking Footage

To witness the terrifying moment firsthand, watch the video below:

\[Insert Video Link]\([theguardian.com][3])

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### 📌 Conclusion

The attempted eagle attack on an 8-year-old girl at Lake Issyk-Kul serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with traditional practices involving wild animals. While golden eagles are majestic creatures with a rich cultural history in Kyrgyzstan, it is imperative that safety measures are strictly enforced during public demonstrations. This incident underscores the need for a balance between preserving cultural heritage and ensuring the safety of all participants.

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For more information on the incident and to view the video, visit the AKIpress News Agency’s website.([akipress.com][2])

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[1]: https://akipress.com/news%3A683323%3AGolden_eagle_attacks_8yo_girl_in_Kyrgyzstan_-_video_that_gained_7_8_million_views_on_AKIpress_YouTube_channel/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Golden eagle attacks 8yo girl in Kyrgyzstan – video that gained 7.8 million views on AKIpress YouTube channel – AKIpress News Agency”
[2]: https://akipress.com/news%3A608811%3AGolden_eagle_attacks_8_yo_girl_at_ethnofestival/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Golden eagle attacks 8 yo girl at ethnofestival – AKIpress News Agency”
[3]: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2016/jul/12/eagle-attacks-boy-at-birds-of-prey-show-in-alice-springs?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Eagle attacks boy at birds of prey show …”