By Peter Ajayi
A captive Asian black bear attacked its trainer during a performance at Hangzhou Safari Park in Zhejiang Province after appearing to be manhandled while being forced to carry out tricks.
The bear, identified as Xiong Er, was one of two animals made to ride hoverboards on their hind legs during a show on Saturday, December 6. The bears were seen spinning on the electric scooters and moving around the performance area under the guidance of their handlers.
During the act, Xiong Er was led off the hoverboard and taken behind a central stage structure. Footage shows the bear struggling to keep up while standing upright, yet the trainer maintained a firm hold on one of its paws and continued pulling it into position. When the trainer turned the bear around and pushed him to begin backpedalling, the animal suddenly retaliated.
Video from the scene shows Xiong Er striking with his claws, knocking the trainer to the ground, and holding on as staff rushed in. After several unsuccessful attempts to separate them manually, staff resorted to hitting the bear with objects. The bear was eventually subdued and taken backstage, forcing an abrupt end to the show.
Park officials later stated that neither the trainer nor the bear sustained injuries.
The trainer, identified as Zhou Jiazhen, claimed the incident was not an intentional attack, insisting that the bear was trying to reach a bag of carrots he had on him. “If it really wanted to attack, I wouldn’t be standing here now,” he said.
Following the incident, Xiong Er was relocated to another section of the park, which has suspended all similar demonstrations involving Asian black bears.
In a public statement, the park apologized for its inadequate response, acknowledging that the incident created an unpleasant experience for visitors. It promised to review safety procedures, improve emergency protocols, and monitor the animals involved to ensure their well-being.
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