Chinese zoo denies mistreating bear, says animal is healthy, properly fed
Images of seemingly malnourished brown bear sparks anger online, fuels debate over animal rights abuses
A zoo in central China has dismissed allegations of animal abuse after images of a seemingly emaciated brown bear appeared online.
The zoo, in Xinxiang People’s Park, Henan province, said on its Weibo microblog that the animal, which is just a year old, has a “relatively thin frame” because it is still growing and doesn’t retain fat in the same way adult bears do.
“The zoo’s vet conducts regular health checks to make sure the bear is healthy and growing the way it should,” the statement said, adding that it is fed a “normal diet”.
The bear also has a “more slender mouth” and is currently shedding its fur, which makes it look thinner, it said.
