The character Briar from the Chinese animated TV series Boonie Bears is inspired by the Asian black bear, a species native to Northeast China. Are you curious about what the real-life Briar looks like? Let's meet Chencheng, the star resident at Harbin Polarland.
Chencheng is a six-month-old female bear cub with a round head, big ears, and a white scarf-like patch around her neck. She waddles as she walks, spinning clumsily like a little spinning top. Gentle, timid, and rather clingy, she enjoys a carefully balanced daily diet of meat, fruits, vegetables, and nuts. After meals, she enjoys human companionship for playtime. Although the park has prepared toys such as swings especially for her, she only dares to try them with patient encouragement from her keepers.
Under the professional care of her keeper, Yang Wenao, Chencheng is growing up healthily. Much like an energetic human toddler, she spends her days in a forest-style simulated habitat, playing on swings and rolling balls with boundless enthusiasm. A deep emotional bond has formed between Chencheng and Yang; Yang can tell her emotions at a glance through her body language. "When she's angry, she lets out a low growl as a warning. When she's happy, she smiles, comes over to you, and stands up, wanting to play together," he explains.
With her charming and lively personality, Chencheng has quickly become a star and a popular attraction at Harbin Polarland. She has gained a large following online, and many visitors now come specifically to see her. However, while admiring her cuteness, it is crucial to remember that bears are apex wild animals. "If you encounter a bear in the wild, never treat it like a pet. Do not tease it, scream in fear, or throw objects at it."
Yang also shared correct safety guidelines for such situations: do not provoke the bear, do not turn your back on it. If a wild bear charges toward you, remain facing it, make loud noises to intimidate it, and seek cover as quickly as possible. Staying alert, calm, and composed is the key to handling such encounters safely.
(Reporter & cameraperson: Yu Haijiang; Video Editor: Anna Li, Yu Haijiang; English Editor: Darius)
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