Bear Lunges at Handler at Hangzhou Wildlife World

A black bear at Hangzhou Wildlife World, Zhejiang Province, lunged at its handler during a circus performance yesterday, dragging and clawing at his clothing for roughly 46 seconds before staff intervened with stools and long poles, according to videos circulating online.

The bear briefly stepped back but then attacked again, leaving the handler’s arm and leg seemingly injured and his uniform torn. The show was immediately canceled, though other attractions at the park continued operating.

Officials in Fuyang District confirmed the incident to Jimu News, saying no deaths or severe injuries occurred. It was an accident, likely caused by food the handler carried in his bag, which the bear smelled, a staff member said.

Hangzhou Wildlife World later posted a video on social media explaining that the bear had attempted to snatch a large bag of carrots and apples the handler was carrying.

The handler himself commented publicly, saying the bear has always been very gluttonous. When it saw a full bag of its favorite carrots and apples, it got excited and jumped up. He felt sorry for the concern caused, clarifying that he was not injured, and neither was the bear. This reminds me to be more careful in future, he said.

The incident reignited debate over animal performance practices in China. Under China’s wildlife protection and zoo management regulations, commercial animal performances are not explicitly banned but are tightly regulated. Zoos are required to ensure animal welfare, prohibit abusive training methods, and prevent acts that may endanger public safety.

In recent years, the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development has repeatedly instructed zoos to phase out “cruel” or high-risk performances, such as forcing wild animals to ride bicycles, jump through hoops, or engage in close-contact tricks, stating that such acts violate welfare standards and increase danger to both animals and handlers.