In a bizarre incident of human-animal cosplay, a Chinese zoo has been accused of passing off a person dressed up as a bear as a real Malayan Sun Bear, a species native to Southeast Asia. But the Lehe Ledu Wildlife Zoo in Chengdu has strongly denied the claims, insisting that the animal inside the pretend bear suit is actually a bear.
The story began on November 25th when photos of a figure in a bear costume walking around the zoo’s grounds were posted all over Chinese social media. After the photos attracted widespread attention, the zoo responded with a statement that said the animal was “not a human wearing a costume” as suggested in the pictures, but was in fact a Malayan Sun Bear.
Despite the zoo’s insistence, people were highly suspicious. The photos depicted a figure with a wide frame and short limbs walking on two feet. It is well known that Malayan Sun Bears rarely walk on two feet and none have been found to have such a wide body frame. Even more troublesome was that the zoo announced the reveal of the “bear” on social media with an accompanying video. In the video, the animal can be seen wearing a pink hoodie and leggings, which is certainly not typical Malayan Sun Bear attire.
Under mounting pressure from the public, the zoo released a second statement declaring that the animal in question was indeed an actual bear and there was no human involved. However, given the contradictory evidence, many remain unconvinced by this explanation. Many skeptics have suggested that the zoo is trying to use the bear as a way to draw in more visitors. Others have expressed concern over the welfare of the animal, if it really is a real bear living this peculiar life.
As of now, the truth of the matter remains uncertain, and it’s hard to know whom to believe. Despite the zoo’s reassurances, so far there is very little evidence that the animal isn’t just a person in a costume. Until the zoo offers some concrete proof, it is likely that this animal cosplay mystery will remain unsolved.
