A popular zoo in Luohe, Henan province, China, has drawn attention for posting a job ad seeking people to dress as black bears and entertain visitors. The performers are expected to wander the grounds, interact silently with the public, and act as strangely as possible.
The listing said the job is open to men and women over 18 who are physically fit. The zoo stressed that it does not require acting experience, love of animals, or public speaking skills, only the ability to convincingly resemble a bear, or at least a bizarre enough one to attract photos. It also said both extroverts and introverts could fit the role, because some bears are shy and others energetic.
The ad described the post as the zoo’s most “free” job. Workers may lie down and daydream if tired, or jump, dance, climb trees, and even catch fish if they have energy. They are allowed almost no speech, only a growl or soft roar, and may speak only in emergencies. They are also expected to calmly accept food or drinks from visitors. The pay is 100,000 yuan a year, about 44,000 shekels, for six-hour shifts and only four days off per month. The costumes were described as soft, though the zoo did not say how they are ventilated.
A zoo spokesman told Chinese media the role could offer young people a unique job and help the zoo earn revenue. He added that workers who become especially popular on social media could earn more than the base salary. The story quickly went viral in China, prompting amused reactions and some concern about whether children would still understand that real bears are not to be approached. More than 100 people applied within days, and the zoo said the positions have already been filled.
