A zoo located in eastern China is refuting claims that some of its bears might be individuals in disguises, following the circulation of photos showing the animals standing upright like humans.
BEIJING - The Hangzhou Zoo, located in eastern China, has denied rumors that some of its bears might be people dressed in costumes, following the circulation of photos showing the animals standing like humans.
On Monday, the zoo's social media account clarified that the sun bears from Malaysia, though smaller and having distinct appearances compared to other bears, are indeed real bears.
In a post written from the perspective of the bear, it stated, "Some people think I stand like a person. It seems you don't understand me very well."
An employee at the zoo declined to discuss the bears but mentioned that arrangements were being made for reporters to visit and see the animals.
The authenticity of the bears came under scrutiny when internet users questioned their reality after seeing photos of one of the bears standing upright on its hind legs.
The Hangzhou Daily newspaper reported that "Because of the way they stand, some people online question whether they are 'humans in disguise.'"
According to the zoo, sun bears are the size of large dogs, reaching a height of up to 1.3 meters (50 inches) on their hind legs, while other bear species, like grizzlies, can reach heights of up to 2.8 meters (9 feet).
Chinese zoos have faced similar accusations in the past, such as trying to pass off dogs dyed to resemble wolves or African cats, and donkeys painted to look like zebras.
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