A startling recording of a black bear lunging at its trainer
during a safari park show emerged as December’s most impactful viral video. The footage from Hangzhou Safari Park was published by major
international platforms, including the New York Post, BILD.de, Metro.co.uk, and
news.com.au.
The Mid-Show incident
The incident unfolded during an animal behaviour
demonstration in Zhejiang province. Audience footage shows the bears performing
on their hind legs before one animal suddenly diverted its attention toward a
nearby handler. The bear knocked the zookeeper to the ground, leading to a
desperate intervention by staff members who used stools and nearby props to
secure the animal. The trainer was eventually rescued as the audience watched
the chaotic scene in shock.
Cause and response
Park officials confirmed that neither the trainer nor the
animal sustained injuries during the struggle. The sudden aggression was
reportedly triggered by the scent of food, as the keeper was carrying a bag of
carrots and apples at the time. Following the event, the park issued a formal
apology and announced the immediate suspension of all bear demonstrations to
review safety protocols and ensure the well-being of both staff and animals.
Value of authentic documentation
A single piece of footage can often by newsworty. Capturing a dramatic moment such as this provides a unique and valuable perspective for international media. Raw,
unfiltered recordings are essential, as extra editing or effects are not
required. That is precisely what newsrooms need. The ViralPress upload page is
available for submitting original clips for licensing.
