Viral Video of Bear at Hangzhou Zoo Sparks Controversy: Is It Real or a Disguise?
Hangzhou Zoo in Zhejiang province has addressed online speculation regarding a video of a bear that has gone viral on social media in China. Many viewers questioned whether the bear, which is shown standing on its hind legs, interacting with tourists, and exhibiting human-like gestures, is actually a real bear or a human in disguise.
In response to the speculation, Hangzhou Zoo clarified that the bear in question is indeed a real animal named Angela. The zoo stated that it is not a human wearing a suit, emphasizing that a person could not have endured the extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius, while wearing such a heavy bear costume.
Angela, a sun bear, arrived at Hangzhou Zoo three years ago from another zoo in the province. Now four years old, Angela has just entered adulthood, with an average lifespan of only 24 years. She has captivated visitors with her unique behavior, attracting over 20,000 daily visitors to the zoo since the video went viral. This represents a significant increase of about one-third compared to before.
WATCH: 🐻 A viral video of a black sun bear at the Hangzhou Zoo in China’s Zhejiang province has some netizens convinced that it is a human in disguise. The zoo has since spoken out to quell the rumours, maintaining that it is “definitely a real animal”. pic.twitter.com/hzHOZSnLPT
— TODAY (@TODAYonline) July 31, 2023
Jiang Zhi, the deputy director of Hangzhou Zoo, explained that sun bears, the smallest bear species in the world, are known for their gentle nature. These bears are approximately the size of a large dog, measuring between 1.1 to 1.5 meters in length and weighing an average of 55 kilograms. When standing, they reach a height of around 1.5 meters.
However, despite their endearing qualities, sun bears face a decline in their wild population and are classified as a first-grade protected species in China.
Angela has a male companion named Dalu, and the two bears spend nearly 24 hours a day together, sharing meals and living space. The zoo has even prepared a maternity room for the couple, hoping to welcome cubs in the second half of this year or in 2024.
Regarding the bear’s ability to stand upright, Jiang explained that all bears possess this capability, especially when engaged in play or fights. Malaysian sun bears, in particular, have a higher tendency to stand on their hind legs with loose skin folded on their backs, which may give the impression of a person wearing a bear costume.
Hangzhou Zoo’s keepers provide Angela and Dalu with a diverse diet, including milk, red dates, seasonal fruits, and worms. Jiang emphasized that tourists should not feed the bears any food to prevent harm to the animals.
As visitors continue to be fascinated by Angela’s antics, Hangzhou Zoo remains committed to ensuring her wellbeing and educating the public about sun bears and their conservation. The popularity of this viral video serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species and raising awareness about their plight.
In conclusion, Hangzhou Zoo has confirmed that the bear featured in the viral video is a genuine sun bear named Angela, dispelling the speculation that it could be a human in disguise. Angela’s remarkable behavior and appearance have attracted a significant increase in visitors to the zoo, amplifying the need for continued efforts to protect and conserve these adorable creatures.
