Chinese Zoo Faces Controversy Over Alleged Human-Bear Costume
Hangzhou zoo in China has denied rumors and conspiracy theories that some of its sun bears were actually people dressed in costume after videos of a bear standing on its hind legs went viral. The zoo released a statement from the perspective of a sun bear named "Angela" to clarify the misunderstanding. Zoos in China have faced ridicule in the past for trying to pass off pets as wild animals. Sun bears, the world's smallest bear species, are listed as vulnerable and face threats from poaching and deforestation. Conservationists emphasize the need for more awareness and education about sun bears.