Luohe Wildlife Zoo in Henan Province posted about the position on June 13, seeking adults aged 18 and above to wear black bear costumes, move around the zoo and interact with visitors, local outlet Jiupai News reported.
The zoo described the costumes as “soft” and did not mention whether they were equipped with fans or ventilation systems. Applicants of any gender are eligible, provided they are physically fit, and will work six-hour shifts with four days off each month.
A black bear in a zoo. Photo by Pexels |
They are not allowed to speak while interacting with visitors and may only make purring sounds, except during emergencies or when assistance is needed. They are also expected to accept food and drinks offered by visitors, according to the South China Morning Post.
“It’s the freest position in our zone. If you are tired, you can just lie down and daydream. If you’re feeling energetic, you can jump, dance, climb trees, or even catch fish. Do whatever feels comfortable,” the job posting read.
“You can act in the most nonsensical ways. The more bizarre, the more popular you’ll be,” it continued.
The zoo said the role is suitable for both extroverts and introverts because performers are not required to speak with visitors. It added that all positions were filled within days after receiving more than 100 applications, but did not disclose how many people were hired.
The zoo, which received investment from the local government, opened to the public in early May.
The unusual recruitment campaign drew widespread attention on Chinese social media.
“It is not an easy job. Summers in Henan can be quite hot, and imagine wearing that costume!” one user wrote.
“It is a creative concept, but I worry it might make children less afraid of wild animals,” another said.
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