Screenshot of the news covered by BBC
Highlights
By Jin Yingying
The sun bear in Hangzhou Zoo has caused a stir internationally.
This bear was spotted standing tall and waving to visitors. A video that went viral on social media triggered widespread speculation that it was actually a zookeeper in a bear suit. Soon, Hangzhou Zoo rejected the rumors and stated that people may not quite understand the species.
According to the zoo's statement, this four-year-old Malaysian sun bear named Angela has settled down there since 2020. It was not a moonlighting human but a bear saying hi to the crowd. Hangzhou zoo shared a message stating that "Sun bears are petite, the smallest bear in the world" to clarify that these bears from the ursine family are known for mimicking human postures such as standing and walking on their hind legs.
International media outlets like the BBC, CNN, and AP couldn't resist jumping on the bear bandwagon, causing fierce discussions about it. Dr. Ashleigh Marshall, an expert from Chester Zoo, told the AP News, as the article stated: "the animal in the video is 'definitely a real bear', although she concedes that sun bears do often 'look a lot like people in their costumes'."
Hangzhou Zoo has got more than just one act in its animal extravaganza. Chunsheng and Xiangguo, two rambunctious three-year-old pandas, just landed in town after a whirlwind flight from Chengdu on Aug 10.
However, upon entering a brand-new environment, they need at least seven days to re-adjust themselves before settling down comfortably. The day when we can see them is just around the corner.
The zoo's been hosting a parade of pandas since 1975. It is time for Chunsheng and Xiangguo to take the spotlight as the sixth generation owners of the panda pavilion. Chunsheng struts its stuff as a spring-born male, while Xiangguo is a sassy female who loves a good roll in the mud.
Hangzhou Zoo is not a strange place to celebrity pandas. After a three-year hiatus, they are back in action. It is a full-on panda home, with revamped indoor and outdoor fun, plus cozy dens for an afternoon nap. It is definitely a place you won't want to miss in Hangzhou.