Unusual job listing at Henan wildlife park
'No speaking allowed — only growling'
'The stranger your behavior, the more popular you'll become'
![Photo is unrelated to the article. [123rf]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/23/news-p.v1.20260623.b310e40a513f44c6b25e48d7277c0205_P1.jpg)
A zoo in central China has gone viral on social media after posting a job listing seeking performers to play black bears on its grounds.
According to the South China Morning Post, Luohe Wildlife Park in Luohe, Henan Province — which opened last month — recently advertised for people to dress in black bear costumes and interact with visitors throughout the park.
The listing says applicants must be at least 18 years old, in good health and of any gender. The job involves six-hour shifts with four days off per month. The annual salary is 100,000 yuan (about 23 million won).
Workers must follow a strict set of rules while on duty. They are not allowed to speak while interacting with visitors — only growling like a bear is permitted, except in emergencies or when help is needed. Performers must also be willing to accept any food or snacks offered by visitors without being selective.
The zoo described the costume as "soft" but did not say whether it includes a fan or ventilation system to keep the wearer cool in the heat.
The zoo called the role "the most free-spirited position in our zone," adding that performers can lie down and zone out when tired, or run, dance, climb trees and even catch fish when full of energy. "Just act however you feel comfortable," it said.
The zoo also said the job suits both introverts and extroverts since no direct conversation with visitors is required. "The most outrageous behavior is perfectly fine," it added. "The stranger your behavior, the more popular you'll become."
The listing drew immediate attention after it was posted. The zoo said more than 100 people applied and all positions were filled within days, though it did not disclose the exact number of hires.
A zoo official told Chinese outlet New Weekly that performers who become social media sensations could earn additional income on top of the base annual salary of 100,000 yuan. "It will help provide young people with a unique job opportunity while also helping the zoo explore new revenue streams," the official said.
The listing drew a range of reactions from Chinese internet users. "This is no easy job — summers in Henan are quite hot, and you'd have to work in that kind of costume," one commenter wrote. Others said few people would be able to follow the no-talking rule for an entire shift, while some raised concerns that children might lose their fear of wild animals as a result.
China is moving to elevate its Antarctic tourism permit system from an administrative regulation to a formal law, as the number of Chinese tourists visiting the continent surges.
jshan@heraldcorp.com
