Debunking Rumors: Chinese Zoo Denies Sun Bears as People in Disguise
A zoo in eastern China has refuted claims that some of its sun bears were actually people in disguise, addressing the viral videos that showed a Malayan sun bear standing on its hind legs and appearing eerily human-like. The footage sparked rumors and conspiracy theories on Chinese social media platforms.
In a peculiar twist, the zoo issued a statement from the perspective of a sun bear named "Angela," expressing frustration at the misunderstandings surrounding the species. The statement read, "I'm Angela the sun bear – I got a call after work yesterday from the head of the zoo asking if I was being lazy and skipped work today and found a human to take my place. Let me reiterate again to everyone that I am a sun bear – not a black bear, not a dog – a sun bear!"
The videos, widely shared on the Chinese microblogging site Weibo, showcased a sun bear standing upright on a rock and observing its enclosure. Observant Weibo users pointed out the animal's unique posture and folds of loose fur, giving rise to speculation that a human might be posing as the bear.
While the notion of human impersonation might seem implausible, past incidents in Chinese zoos have drawn public ridicule when attempts were made to pass off domestic pets, such as dogs, as exotic wildlife. In 2013, a city zoo in Henan province faced backlash for presenting a Tibetan Mastiff dog as a lion, leading to shock and confusion among visitors when the "lion" barked. Similarly, a zoo in Sichuan province caused astonishment when visitors discovered a golden retriever confined in an enclosure labeled as an African lion habitat.
The Malayan sun bear, listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), is a protected species in its native countries, including Malaysia. Unfortunately, their populations in the wild are at risk due to poaching and deforestation, with numbers declining by 35% over the past three decades, as reported by conservation groups like the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center (BSBCC) in Sabah, Malaysia.
At the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, 43 rescued sun bears receive care and support, each showcasing their unique mannerisms and personalities. This emphasizes the significance of wildlife conservation efforts to protect these endangered creatures and ensure their survival in their natural habitats.