Malaysian Sun Bears: Real or Costume? The Zoo’s Response Surprises Tourists

Tourists are swarming to a zoo in China to catch a glimpse of the Malaysian sun bears, which became an online sensation after bizarre speculations that they were actually humans in bear costumes. The zoo, located in Hangzhou, had to dispel the rumors by posting a response from one of the sun bears named Angela, clarifying her identity as a real sun bear. Sun bears, known for their smaller size compared to other bear species, have a height of up to 1.3 meters on their hind legs.

Since the clarifying post, visitor numbers have surged by 30% to approximately 20,000 daily. Angela the sun bear has become a trending topic on Chinese social media, with many visitors coming from faraway places to witness the bear in person. The amusing situation has even earned praise, with some online users jokingly suggesting the bear deserves an “Oscar for special effects.”

The zoo spokesperson ensured that the sun bears are genuine and dismissed any possibility of humans in bear suits. Such a situation is highly unlikely, given the scorching summer temperatures reaching almost 40 degrees Celsius. The zoo’s popularity spike contrasts with previous instances in other Chinese zoos, where controversies arose over attempts to pass off animals like dogs painted to look like other species.