Ettore Weber, 61, was killed on Wednesday during rehearsals at Circus Orfei, which is currently in the southern Italian town of Triggiano, Puglia.
Italian police said the incident occurred around 8:00 pm, an hour before the evening’s show was set to begin.
Weber was reportedly in a cage with four tigers when he was first bitten by one of the animals, followed by the other three.
The tigers then began playing with Weber’s battered body inside the cage.
Circus staff reportedly used fire extinguishers in an attempt to stop the attack, but the tigers weren’t deterred.
An ambulance was called to the scene but Weber died from his injuries.
Italian authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Circus Orfei arrived in Triggiano in mid-June and was scheduled to remain there until July 14.
