Terrified visitors at a Chinese wildlife park watched in horror as a black bear suddenly turned on its keeper during a live animal show, knocking the man to the ground and pinning him in a chaotic struggle that unfolded right in front of the audience.
Dramatic footage from Hangzhou Wildlife World (also known as Hangzhou Safari Park) in Zhejiang province shows the black bear lunging at the trainer just as the pair prepared to take the stage on 6 December 2025. The keeper is seen desperately trying to push the powerful animal away as it climbs on top of him, while other staff members rush in with whatever they can grab, plastic chairs, long poles and even a basketball hoop, in a frantic bid to separate the pair.
One visitor’s video captures the escalating panic: the bear refuses to let go, the keeper struggles on the ground of the outdoor amphitheatre stage, and colleagues shout as they beat at the animal with props. Spectators can be heard reacting with gasps and cries as the scene unfolds only metres away from the seating area.
Park officials later insisted the incident was not a deliberate attack but the result of the bear becoming “excited” after spotting a bag of its favourite treats, carrots and apples, that the keeper was carrying. The animal reportedly lunged in an attempt to snatch the food. Both the keeper and the bear escaped without injury, the park said.
In a statement released the following day, Hangzhou Wildlife World apologised for the “inadequate” on-site response that left visitors with an “unpleasant experience.” The park announced it was immediately cancelling all black bear behaviour shows and said staff would monitor the animal’s wellbeing while reviewing safety procedures.
The video quickly spread online, prompting fresh debate over the ethics of animal performances in Chinese zoos and safari parks. Critics pointed to the risks of forcing wild animals into close contact with humans for entertainment, while some netizens expressed relief that no one was seriously hurt.
One visitor recounted the sudden shift from light entertainment to chaos: performers and bears had been moving around the green-stage area when the situation rapidly deteriorated. Another staff member was even seen attempting to help while holding a bird, adding to the surreal nature of the rescue effort.
Although the park stressed that neither the keeper nor the bear suffered physical harm, the incident has left many questioning whether such shows should continue at all. Hangzhou authorities later confirmed the permanent suspension of the black bear performances, the temporary reassignment of the trainer involved, and plans to improve the animals’ living conditions.
The shocking clip serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of wild animals, even those that appear trained for the stage.
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