The 12th film in the Boonie Bears series, Boonie Bears: The Hidden Protector, is set to release during the 2026 Spring Festival season, once again bringing the adorable bear characters into the spotlight. Meanwhile, at the snow-covered Harbin Northern Forest Zoo, brown bear siblings Erhei and Xiaobai are acting out a real-life version of Boonie Bears. Their dark and light figures trek through the snow, mirroring the images of the two main characters, Briar and Bramble.
Thirteen-year-old Xiaobai is the zoo's star attraction, named for her lighter fur compared to other females. Xiaobai measures 1.9 meters sitting and 2.4 meters standing, weighing in at approximately 175-200 kg. Puffed up for the winter, she becomes a round, edgeless ball of fur, rolling along like a plush toy when she ambles. But who would have guessed that this big cutie is actually a "genius"? Cao Li, assistant to the head of the carnivore department at the Harbin Northern Forest Zoo's animal management division, explained, "When visitors call out to her, she responds right away, almost as if she understands what people are saying."
Furthermore, Xiaobai can express gratitude in three positions: sitting, lying down, and standing. She has even mastered the advanced skill of crossing her legs to scratch her feet (leg-hold), making her a seasoned "female celebrity" with a complete fan service routine, providing ample emotional value. Even more considerate, Xiaobai strives to ensure that no visitor leaves disappointed.
"Even if there's only one visitor, Xiaobai won't go back inside at night. She'll be there. You stay, she stays," said Cao.
Xiaobai's sustained energy and spirits are thanks to the zoo's carefully customized and scientifically measured diet. Her daily meals are nutritious, refined, and healthy, featuring not only fiber-rich, protein-rich, and calcium-fortified staples but also fresh fruits and disinfected carrots. Xiaobai often stands up to express her gratitude when she enjoys her food, especially when the keepers serve her finely prepared desserts of apple slices dipped in honey.
Of course, despite their seemingly cuddly appearance, these siblings possess the astonishing strength and speed of brown bears. A single swipe of their paw can generate 500-800 kilograms of force. They can sprint at speeds of approximately 60 kilometers per hour and possess strong muscles, a keen sense of smell, and sharp claws, making them apex predators.
(Reporter, Photographer: Yu Haijiang; Video Editor: Yu Haijiang, Sammi; English Editor: Rachel Liu, Darius)
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