“Lying down when tired is OK”… Young people flock to Chinese zoo’s ‘bear costume’ job

A wildlife park in Luohe city, Henan Province, China, has sparked widespread online discussion with a unique job posting: a position requiring applicants to wear a bear costume and interact with visitors for an annual salary of 100,000 yuan (approximately $14,000 USD).

The job, open to any healthy adult over 18 regardless of gender, involves a 6-hour shift with four days off per month. The advertisement emphasized the role's freedom, stating, "If you get tired, you can just lie down and space out. If you have energy, you can run, dance, climb trees, or even catch fish." The only strict rules were to maintain absolute silence while interacting with visitors, though growling sounds were permitted, and to accept any snacks or drinks offered by guests.

The position garnered immense interest, with over 100 applications received shortly after the posting, leading to a swift closure of the application window. The high salary is a significant draw, especially when compared to the average starting salaries for recent university graduates in China. According to a 2025 report by MyCOS Research Institute, the average monthly salary for Chinese graduates six months after graduation is 6,199 yuan, equating to about 74,000 yuan annually. The opportunity to earn 100,000 yuan while engaging in a relatively unconventional and seemingly relaxed role presented a highly attractive prospect for young job seekers.

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If you get tired, you can just lie down and space out. If you have energy, you can run, dance, climb trees, or even catch fish. Do whatever you want as you feel comfortable.