Chinese zoo denies its sun bears are humans dressed in costumes (photos)

the attention of animal enthusiasts and social media users, a zoo in eastern China, specifically the Hangzhou Zoo, has been embroiled in a bizarre controversy surrounding its sun bears from Malaysia. Images of one of the sun bears standing upright in its enclosure have surfaced online, causing some to speculate whether the bear is, in fact, a human in disguise.

Sun bears, known for their smaller size compared to other bear species and distinct appearance, are rarely seen standing on their hind legs. However, the viral images depict one of the bears seemingly standing at the edge of its enclosure, with its fur sagging above its legs. This uncanny sight has sparked accusations that the zoo may be engaging in deceptive practices, with some speculating that a zoo employee might be masquerading as a bear.

Swiftly responding to the viral images and mounting rumors, a spokesperson for the Hangzhou Zoo took to WeChat, a popular social media platform in China, to dispel the speculations. The zoo adamantly denied any such deception, asserting that it is a state-run facility committed to the highest standards of animal care and authenticity.

To further debunk the rumors, the zoo posted on its social media account a playful statement written from the point of view of Angela, the Malaysian sun bear in question. The bear, playfully expressing itself, refuted the claims, urging people to understand that its behavior is purely natural and not indicative of human involvement.

The Hangzhou Zoo reiterated that the sun bears in their care are indeed authentic and genuine animals. They highlighted the fact that not all bears fit the stereotypical image of hulking and formidable creatures, and that sun bears have their own unique characteristics and behaviors.

Despite these clarifications, the intriguing case continues to draw curiosity and debate online. Some netizens have commented on the video of the bear, suggesting that it appears to be wearing a “leather jacket,” adding to the surreal and amusing nature of the situation. Others have pointed out that the bear’s posture seems surprisingly upright, fueling further speculation about its identity.