Are Sun Bears Human? Chinese Zoo Claims Otherwise

World Zoo in China denies speculation that its bears are actually humans in disguise

August 1, 2023

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The Viral Video

A video of a Malayan sun bear standing on its hind legs has sparked speculation on social media that the bear could actually be a person dressed in a costume. The video, which was posted on the Chinese version of TikTok, went viral and triggered a debate about the authenticity of the bear at Hangzhou Zoo in eastern China.

Many social media users pointed out the bear’s human-like behavior, as well as the folds of fur on its body that resemble ill-fitting clothing. These observations led some to question whether the bear was indeed a human in disguise. However, an expert in wildlife biology confirmed that the bear in the video is a genuine sun bear.

The Denial and Expert Opinion

The zoo issued a statement denying the speculation and emphasizing that the bear is indeed a Malayan sun bear and not a human disguised as an animal. Hangzhou Zoo expressed frustration with the viral phenomenon and stated, “I am a Malayan sun bear! Not a black bear! Not a dog! A sun bear!”

Wong Siew Te, a wildlife biologist and founder of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Malaysia, further confirmed the authenticity of the bear in question. He explained that sun bears have a tendency to stand and walk on their hind legs, and that their behavior can often resemble that of humans. Sun bear mothers, in particular, can carry their babies with their hands and walk upright.

Despite the expert opinion, some individuals who have visited Hangzhou Zoo expressed their disbelief in the bear’s authenticity. One visitor, Gino Liu, commented, “It is a bear but really looks like a human.”

The Conservation Message

While the speculation surrounding the bear’s identity may seem trivial, it has managed to shed light on the plight of sun bears in the wild. Sun bears are the smallest bears, standing at most 1.3 meters tall, and they have faced a significant decline in population in the past 30 years. The World Wildlife Fund reports that the number of sun bears has shrunk by over 30% during this time.

Wong Siew Te believes that the attention generated by this incident could be an opportunity to raise awareness about the endangered status of sun bears. He attributes their declining population to large-scale deforestation and hunting, and hopes that by showcasing the human-like behavior of sun bears, people will recognize the need for conservation efforts.

Evaluation of Claims

Although the claims that the bears at Hangzhou Zoo are actually humans in disguise have been debunked, it is crucial to examine the underlying reasons for the speculation. This incident reflects a broader phenomenon in which animals are displayed for entertainment purposes in zoos.

While zoos play a role in conservation and education, there has been a growing ethical debate about the captivity and treatment of animals in these establishments. Zoos that prioritize visitor entertainment over animal welfare may resort to using costumes or other techniques to enhance the experience for visitors.

Additionally, the incident highlights the fascination humans have with anthropomorphizing animals. The tendency to interpret animal behavior through the lens of human characteristics is rooted in our desire to understand and relate to the natural world. However, it is essential to remember that animals have their own distinct behaviors and should be appreciated and respected for their unique traits.

A Call to Action

This incident serves as a reminder of our responsibility to protect endangered species and promote sustainable practices. The decline of sun bears and other vulnerable animals can be attributed to human activities such as deforestation and hunting. It is imperative to address these issues through conservation efforts and raising awareness.

Critics of zoos argue that a shift in focus towards creating natural and enriched environments for animals, as well as supporting conservation initiatives in the wild, would be a more ethical approach. By providing education about wildlife and promoting habitat preservation, we can help ensure the long-term survival of species like sun bears.

In conclusion, the speculation surrounding the bears at Hangzhou Zoo being humans in disguise may have been disproven, but the incident has brought attention to the conservation of sun bears and the importance of responsible animal stewardship. It is crucial that we prioritize the welfare of animals and take action to protect and preserve their habitats.