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Once again, the attack of a wild animal on its tamer during an entertainment show has gone viral; this time, the incident occurred at the Hangzhou Safari Park in China.
What appeared to be a well-trained routine between a black bear and its handler ended up exposing the lack of a response plan for such incidents at the zoo, which, according to its website, "integrates animal exhibits, scientific outreach, leisure, and entertainment," with more than 260 species on display.
The bear attack, which is reopening the debate on whether shows involving wild animals should continue, took place this weekend in front of several families who were sitting only meters away from the stage without any protection.
The video shows two trainers, each with one of these animals.
While one is at the center of the stage showing off the "tricks" of the "cute" animal, screams are heard from the corner, drawing everyone's attention.
The black bear, although it barely reaches the man's torso height, uses its body weight to knock him to the ground and attempt to bite his arm, but the man fights back, struggling with the animal in what turns into a fierce fight.
The handler tries several times to stand up to remove the animal, which is latched on with its claws.
Given this, the rest of the team runs to assist him.
One pulls at the animal's fur but fails to move it even an inch. Another runs around the auditorium looking for an object that could help intervene without putting themselves at risk.
Amidst screams from those present and at least four zoo workers, one of them takes a type of basketball hoop and places it between the black bear's snout and the handler, giving the man a few seconds to break free.
However, the man's adrenaline is so high that upon seeing he has removed the wild animal, he returns furiously to try to subdue it without any protection or tools to help him, provoking the animal's fury once again, which reacts to its instinct and attacks him again.
Another worker, despite carrying a blue bird on his arm, tries to help his colleague. This happens while the exotic animal flaps its wings due to the commotion caused by the attack and the audience's screams.
Finally, social media reports indicate that the black bear was subdued and that neither it nor the handler were injured despite the fight shown in the videos that have already gone viral worldwide.
Reacción al ataque del oso negro en zoológico de China
As a result, social media was flooded with criticism of the "show," given that it not only puts those who have to train wild animals at risk, but also goes against the animals' own nature.
"The Chinese should be prohibited from keeping animals of any species throughout the country; they are cruelty personified. What do you think they will do to the bear 'backstage'?" wrote Ana Brun.
"Animals are not for public shows," stated pleyadania.
"Outrageous to see how they use animals," "If you stopped mistreating animals, these things wouldn't happen," "Leave the animals in peace and in their habitat; zoos should no longer exist," were other reactions.
[Publicidad]