Chinese Zoo’s Human Bear Job Listing With $15,000 Salary Goes Viral
A zoo in central China has captured widespread attention online after posting a job listing that sounds like it belongs in a comedy sketch: a role that involves dressing up as a black bear, roaming the grounds, and entertaining visitors, all for an annual salary of 100,000 yuan, or roughly US$15,000.
The unusual hiring call was put out by Luohe Wildlife Zoo in Luohe city, Henan province, and quickly spread across local social media, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
Costumes, Quiet, and Quirkiness
The job requires successful applicants to wear a “soft” black bear costume and wander the park grounds, interacting with guests along the way. But the role comes with an unusual restriction: talking is strictly forbidden. Performers are only permitted to make purring noises, unless they encounter an emergency or need assistance.
Despite the no-talking rule, the zoo is actively encouraging performers to embrace eccentric behavior. The job posting urges candidates to jump, dance, climb trees, or even lie down and daydream if they’re feeling tired, essentially behaving however feels natural to the moment.
“The more bizarre, the more popular you’ll be,” the listing states.
Easy Hours, Easygoing Attitude Required
The position involves six-hour shifts with four days off each month. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and physically fit, with no restrictions based on gender.
There’s also a quirky clause about snacks: since visitors are allowed to offer refreshments to the costumed “bears,” candidates are expected to be easygoing about accepting food from the public.
Zoo staff have described the role in glowing terms, calling it “the freest position in our zone.”
“If you’re 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 ad reads.
Overwhelming Response
Luohe Wildlife Zoo, which opened in early May with backing from the local government, says the unconventional hiring campaign is part of a broader effort to boost visitor engagement and draw more attention to the park.
The response was immediate and overwhelming, more than 100 people applied within just a few days, and all available positions were reportedly filled. The zoo has not disclosed exactly how many performers were ultimately hired.
Beyond the base salary, there may be additional financial incentive for standout performers. A zoo spokesperson told New Weekly that candidates who manage to go viral on social media could end up earning considerably more than the listed pay.
“This could represent a unique job opportunity for young people and help our zoo explore new avenues for revenue,” the unnamed spokesperson said.
The job listing has since become a talking point online, with many social media users reacting with a mix of amusement and curiosity about what it might actually be like to spend six hours a day pretending to be a bear.
