A black bear attacked a zookeeper during a live performance at Hangzhou Safari Park in China’s Zhejiang Province on Saturday, prompting the zoo to immediately cancel future bear shows.
Video footage of the incident shows the bear suddenly grabbing the keeper and attempting to maul him as several other zoo employees rushed to intervene. Four staff members can be seen using sticks and even a basketball hoop to pry the animal away. After a brief struggle, the bear was pulled off the keeper and restrained. Authorities later confirmed that neither the keeper nor the bear was injured.
Hangzhou Safari Park announced Sunday that all black bear performances have been suspended following the incident. In a statement posted to the park’s official Sina Weibo account, the zoo said the attack occurred at approximately 3:50 p.m. when the bear tried to snatch food from the keeper during the show.
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While no injuries were reported, the zoo acknowledged shortcomings in on-site management and apologized to visitors for the incident. Park officials said they are taking the matter seriously and will closely monitor the bear involved to ensure its physical and psychological well-being.
The statement also noted that the zoo will conduct a comprehensive review of its safety procedures and emergency-response protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. “We sincerely appreciate the concern and support from all netizens,” the park said.
The incident has ignited widespread online debate in China, with many questioning whether animal performances should be banned altogether due to safety and animal welfare concerns.
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