"Is That Really a Bear?"... Chinese Zoo Surrounded by 'Costumed Animal Controversy'

Netizens Raise Suspicions Over Upright Posture
Zoo Issues Direct Explanation Amid Growing Controversy
'Malai Taeyanggom' Smaller Than Typical Bears

A controversy over a "costumed mascot" has erupted regarding a Malayan sun bear (Malay bear) living in a Chinese zoo. Critics pointed out that the bear's standing posture looks unnaturally stiff for an animal. As the controversy spread, the zoo posted a statement clarifying, "It is indeed a real bear."

On the 31st of last month (local time), the Associated Press reported that a zoo located in Hangzhou, China, posted on its official social media account, "Some people think I (the bear) am standing like a human, but they don't seem to understand me well." This post was written from the perspective of the bear involved in the mascot costume controversy.

Malaysian sun bear at Hangzhou Zoo, China.
[Image source=Twitter]

The zoo emphasized, "The sun bear's body size is similar to that of a large dog, and when standing on its hind legs, it is about 130 cm tall. Compared to other bears that can reach up to 280 cm in height, it is small and may look a bit different, but the sun bears in our zoo are real bears."

Previously, photos of the sun bear standing upright at this zoo circulated on online communities. Some Chinese netizens suspected that the bear's standing posture looked unnatural and its hind legs appeared too thin, raising doubts that it might be a person in a mascot costume.

The zoo refused to provide specific comments about this bear but reportedly plans to hold a media event soon so that reporters can see the bear in person, the media added.

However, the media noted, "Other zoos in China have previously been criticized for dyeing dogs to look like wolves or African cats, or painting donkeys to resemble zebras."

Meanwhile, the Malayan sun bear at the center of the controversy is a bear species distributed in parts of Asia such as southern China, northern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. It is commonly called the "sun bear."

Its body length ranges from 1.2 to 1.8 meters, making it the smallest among bears and animals in general, and its weight is relatively light at 30 to 70 kg for males and 20 to 40 kg for females. Unlike other bears, its fur is short and smooth, which is known to be an adaptation to the climate of South Asia.