Chinese zoo bear at the center of claims it’s a ‘human in disguise’ can be seen in NEW video – experts claim it IS real (as visitors flock to catch a glimpse of the animal for themselves)

Animal experts have dismissed claims that a Chinese sun bear is, in fact, a man in a suit.

Speculation erupted online after a viral clip showed the odd bear standing on two legs, drawing attention to its saggy undercoat and stubby paws.

Now a video from a different angle sheds new light on the bizarre story.

China’s Hangzhou Zoo was quick to respond, writing as the four-year-old Malayan bear named Angela, “it seems you don’t understand me very well.”

They stressed that such deception would not happen in a state-run zoo.

Now animal experts have weighed in on the issue. Dr. Ashleigh Marshall, an expert from Chester Zoo, told us the BBC that the animal is ‘definitely a real bear’.

She explained that the folds on its back, presumably evidence of an ill-fitting costume, help protect the bear from predators, as the looseness allows the bear to “turn in its own skin” and fight back if grabbed.

The story has gone around the world, and the zoo itself has seen a 30 percent increase in visitor numbers.

Mr You told a local news outlet: ‘After seeing this bear on the internet, I wanted to see what it looks like in real life, so I came here.’

The odd-looking bear was seen standing on two legs and looking for food at the zoo

Qian Ming, one of 20,000 people now making the pilgrimage, told local TV that he traveled 150 miles by train from Suzhou to see the bear.

“We traveled overnight last night to get her,” he said.

Hangzhou Zoo quickly spoke of the bear’s unusual appearance, stating, “When it comes to bears, the first thing that comes to mind is a huge figure and amazing strength.

“But not all bears are behemoths and danger personified.”

A spokesman for the zoo rejected claims that the bear was a man in a suit, adding: “If you let someone wear such thick fur in this summer heat, it won’t be more than a few minutes before they have to go.” lie. ‘

“We are a government-run zoo. There will never be such situations.’

Temperatures in the region can reach 40C (104F) in summer.

Angela has nevertheless caught the attention of the world since Sunday, with over 30 million views online.

The zoo said she has a “date” with a male bear named Dalu, but wants to “take it easy.”

They also asked visitors not to feed the bears.

Sun bears have several features, such as a short, smooth black coat, a pale yellow crescent moon on their chest (from which they get their name), and a light-colored muzzle.

They are also known as honey bears – for their love of honey – and dog face bears…for their dog-like faces.

Large legs with hairless soles may look like feet, but are adapted to help them climb.

Sun bears are the size of large dogs, standing up to four feet tall on their hind legs.

Grizzlies and other species can grow up to 2.8 meters long, according to the zoo.

They are the smallest of the bear species and are native to Southeast Asia.

The state zoo was responding to allegations that the bear (pictured) was a human in a suit

China zoo said despite odd-looking fur and legs, ‘it’s a real animal’

While no actors have yet been caught dressing up as bears in this way, in 2019 two zoo workers at Yancheng Wild Animal World in Changzhou, China, were seen wearing gorilla costumes and jumping around.

The zoo said it was an April Fool’s joke after receiving a number of complaints.

MailOnline reached out to Hangzhou Zoo for comment.