A Chinese zoo in Hangzhou has become the center of controversy after a video of one of its bears standing on its hind legs went viral. The video, which shows the bear named Angela waving to visitors, sparked accusations that the bear is actually a human in disguise. The zoo, known as Hangzhou Zoo, has been forced to address these allegations and deny that Angela is anything other than a real bear.
The video of Angela the sun bear drew attention due to its slender legs and folds of fur that made the bear appear as if it was a person wearing a bear costume. Some online users even questioned whether the bear was a human in disguise. The local Hangzhou Daily reported on the attention the video was receiving and noted that some people online were skeptical about the bear's true identity.
In response to the allegations, Hangzhou Zoo released a statement, pretending to be from Angela herself, in which the bear denied being a person in a costume. "Some people think I stand like a person. It seems you don't understand me very well," the statement said. The zookeepers also emphasized that sun bears from Malaysia, like Angela, are smaller than other bears and have a different appearance, but are still real bears.
Animal expert Ashleigh Marshall from Chester Zoo supported the zoo's claims, stating that the bear is definitely a real bear. Marshall acknowledged that sun bears can sometimes resemble people in costumes, but explained that the folds on the sun bear's back are actually for protection against predators. The loose skin allows the bear to turn around and fight back if attacked.
Despite the zoo's efforts to debunk the conspiracy theories, visitor numbers have increased by 30% following the video's viral spread. People are flocking to Hangzhou Zoo to catch a glimpse of the mysterious mammal for themselves. One visitor, Mr. You, expressed his skepticism about the video but still wanted to see Angela in person.
The furor surrounding the bear has prompted discussions about animal welfare. Animal rights group PETA has called for all zoo animals, including Angela, to be moved to sanctuaries and wildlife reserves that prioritize their well-being. PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker stated that these intelligent and social beings deserve to live freely in their natural environment, rather than being used for human entertainment.
This is not the first time a Chinese zoo has faced accusations of deception. Previous allegations include passing off donkeys as zebras and painting dogs to resemble wolves. Hangzhou Zoo, however, maintains that Angela is a real sun bear and not a human in disguise. They have even highlighted that a person wearing a bear costume would not survive the region's scorching summer temperatures.
As the controversy continues, the world awaits further clarification from the zoo. In the meantime, visitors will continue to flock to Hangzhou Zoo in hopes of catching a glimpse of the bear that has captured international attention.
