When you think of a famous bear, you’d be forgiven for thinking of Paddington.
In recent days though, a Chinese Sun Bear has broken the internet for its uncanny resemblance to a ‘man in a suit’.
As people debate whether or not the bear is real, an expert has given their verdict on the internet sensation just as another video emerged.
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Unless you’ve been asleep for the last couple of days, you’ve probably seen Angela the sun bear on social media.
The animal made major headlines with people claiming that she was actually human in disguise and pointing to her saggy skin as evidence of a costume.
Even weirder was the fact that she stood on her hind legs in her enclosure at Hangzhou Zoo, in mainland China.
Understandably, many people have questioned whether the bear is real after its uncannily human antics.
Whilst the bizarre clip has captured the public’s imagination and fuelled plenty of speculation on internet forums, an expert has debunked the conspiracy theories.
Dr Ashleigh Marshall, from Chester Zoo, has hit back at the human in a suit myth saying ‘definitely a real bear’ in a BBC interview.
She then explained that the sun bear’s saggy skin was a defence mechanic, saying that it helps them quickly ‘turn around in their skin’ when attacked from behind.
While the wild explanation may put the rumours to rest, the animal expert did admit that the specifics often ‘look a lot like people in their costumes’.
Despite this, people are still unconvinced as another video has emerged of the body-shamed bear.
In the latest clip, Angela the bear seemingly responds to tourists yelling ‘hello’ as she stands in her enclosure.
Lasting only 12 seconds, the clip is un-bear-lievably strange as the animal recognises the English phrase.
Understandably, the viral sensation has led to a huge increase in interest in Hangzhou Zoo and its now world-famous resident.
According to the Daily Mail, the centre has seen a 30 per cent jump in visitor numbers with people flocking from across the country to see Angela.
Whilst the wildlife resort is happy to welcome so many guests, it previously hit back at the bizarre rumours.
Taking to social media, they posted as Angela and wrote: “Some people think that I am a person when I stand up…
“It seems that you don’t know me too well.”
Hopefully though, the expert has now put the debate in hibernation.
Topics: Animals, China, World News
Katherine Sidnell