A video of a bear named Angela standing on its hind legs at Hangzhou Zoo in China has sparked a major controversy. The footage went viral, with some viewers accusing the bear of actually being a human in disguise. The bear's slender legs and folds of fur that made it resemble a person wearing a costume led to online speculation about its true identity. Local newspaper Hangzhou Daily reported on the attention the video was receiving and noted that many people online were skeptical about the bear being a real animal.

In response to the allegations, Hangzhou Zoo released a statement on behalf of Angela, denying that she is a person in a costume. The zookeepers emphasized that Angela is a sun bear from Malaysia, which is smaller and has a different appearance compared to other bears, but is still a genuine bear. Animal expert Ashleigh Marshall from Chester Zoo supported the zoo's claims, explaining that sun bears can sometimes resemble people in costumes due to their folds of skin on their backs, which serve as protection against predators.

Despite the zoo's efforts to debunk the conspiracy theories, visitor numbers have increased by 30% since the video went viral. People are flocking to Hangzhou Zoo in order to see the mysterious bear for themselves. Mr. You, a visitor to the zoo, expressed skepticism about the video but still wanted to witness Angela in person.

The controversy surrounding the bear has also sparked discussions about animal welfare. Animal rights group PETA has called for all zoo animals, including Angela, to be relocated to sanctuaries and wildlife reserves that prioritize their well-being. PETA Asia Vice President Jason Baker argued 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 indeed a real sun bear and not a human in disguise. They have even pointed out that a person wearing a bear costume would not be able to survive the scorching summer temperatures in the region.

As the controversy continues, the world eagerly awaits further clarification from Hangzhou Zoo. In the meantime, visitors will continue to flock to the zoo in hopes of catching a glimpse of the bear that has captured international attention.