Hangzhou Zoo Dismisses Accusations of Bear Being a Person in a Costume
A zoo in Hangzhou, China, has strongly denied allegations that one of its sun bears is actually a human in a costume. The accusations arose after a video clip of the bear standing on its hind legs went viral on Chinese social media over the weekend.
The footage shows the bear engaging with a group of people at the zoo in Hangzhou city. However, many social media users cast doubt on the authenticity of the bear, suggesting that its bipedal posture and wrinkled skin indicated that it was, in fact, a person in disguise.
Hangzhou Zoo was quick to respond to these claims, taking to its social media accounts on Monday to assert that the sun bears from Malaysia are indeed genuine and not imposters. The zoo explained that these bears are smaller than other bear species and have their own unique appearance.
In an attempt to address the growing rumors, the zoo even released a statement supposedly written from the bear’s perspective. The statement ridiculed the allegations, asserting that its detractors “really don’t understand me.” It also mentioned a conversation between the zoo director and the bear, joking about the possibility of the bear finding a two-legged beast to take its place.
Despite these efforts, some remain unconvinced. The video continues to generate discussion online, and the debate over whether the bear is real or a human in disguise rages on.
This incident is not the first time that Chinese zoos have faced accusations of fraudulent practices. In the past, other zoos in China have been accused of stocking their enclosures with animals that turn out to be something other than what they appear to be. Examples include passing off a hairy dog as an “African lion” and filling a pool with penguin-shaped balloons.
Sun bears, native to Southeast Asia, are categorized as a vulnerable species due to deforestation and the global wildlife trade. These bears are relatively small, with heights reaching a maximum of 1.3 meters (4 feet) when standing on their hind legs, in contrast to larger bear species like grizzlies, which can reach up to 2.8 meters (9 feet).
Hangzhou Zoo continues to stand by the authenticity of its sun bears, emphasizing that the animal in question is “definitely a real animal.” The controversy surrounding the video serves as a reminder of the power of social media in shaping public opinion and the constant scrutiny faced by zoos worldwide.