Bannockburn animal trainer ‘almost killed’ by circus camel

A Bannockburn stunt dog trainer was almost killed after being trampled by a camel at the circus in Queensland. Sim Hellebrand fears her career might be over after undergoing hip replacement.

A Bannockburn stunt dog trainer has “almost been killed” after being trampled by a camel at a circus in Queensland.

Sim Hellebrand, an animal handler at Hudson’s Circus, was putting the 500kg animals back into their paddock on the Sunshine Coast when things took a terrifying turn.

“She decided to knock me to the ground and trample me,” Ms Hellebrand said.

“It was millimetres to being paralysed, it just missed my head. I could have been killed.”

Incredibly, the impact of the “freak accident” on April 30 was lessened by the amount of mud in the paddock, cushioning the force of the camel.

Hudson’s Circus camel pictured in 2024. Photo: Fergus Gregg

“I was screaming. My partner was standing next to me, screaming as well, and all I can remember is looking up and seeing how big this camel was … It was absolutely terrifying,” Ms Hellebrand said.

Hudson’s Circus confirmed there was an incident involving Ms Hellebrand and a camel.

It was eight weeks before she underwent a full hip replacement in Townsville and has been diagnosed with PTSD.

“I couldn’t walk and I was in extreme pain,” she said.

The financial impact of the accident has been devastating.

Sim Hellebrand with her trick dog Mickey Mouse at Cunningham Pier. Picture: Stephen Harman

Ms Hellebrand and her partner Beau Pearson are behind The Flipping Disc Dogz – who shot to fame after making it to the semi-finals of Australia’s Got Talent in 2019.

“I potentially might not even make it back to performing,” she said.

The physical nature of her work, coupled with the emotional trauma means a return to a career she’s dedicated her life to feels unlikely.

Roaring Raighn with trainer Sim Hellebrand. The Flipping Disc Dogz brought their high flying frisbee tricks to Warralily’s Pets Day Out. Picture: Alan Barber

“The biggest battle that I have ahead will be the PTSD aspect of it. Whether I can cope with the sounds, the smell. There’s so many triggers. At night, there’s the panic attacks. I don’t sleep a lot.

“Once I start the physio then we’ll get a better understanding of what limitations I’m going to be facing,” the 41-year-old said.

Stuck in Townsville, Ms Hellebrand is hoping to get home to Bannockburn soon to see her parents.

She hasn’t seen her partner for five weeks.

Mr Pearson had to continue travelling with the circus to maintain an income and for the welfare of their animals.

Seymour Alternative farming Expo, Flipping Disc Dogz, Beau Pearson with his legendary dog Millie Milkshake. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

“I don’t have the strength mentally to actually go near the circus tent at the moment,” she said.

A friend of the couple, Taylah Conway set up a GoFundMe to support Ms Hellebrand’s recovery.

“Sim will go out of her way to help anyone without questions. She absolutely loves to help teach people about dogs and training. We want to do everything we can to help her get back to that as quickly as possible,” Ms Conway wrote.

Anyone who wishes to contribute to Ms Hellebrand’s cause can visit the GoFundMe website and search Sim Hellebrand’s name.

Originally published as Bannockburn animal trainer ‘almost killed’ by circus camel