A celebrity Formosan black bear at Kaohsiung’s Shoushan Zoo has been sponsored by tiremaker Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co (正新橡膠工業).
The bear, called Bo Bi (波比), is known for standing upright on his hind legs.
Bo Bi achieved online fame last month after an allegation was made on social media accusing the zoo of using a human imposter to act as the standing bear.
Photo courtesy of Kaohsiung’s Tourism Bureau
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) denied the allegations in a post on her Facebook page, propelling Bo Bi to further fame.
Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co on Monday paid NT$100,000 (US$3,082) to be Bo Bi’s corporate sponsor, while also naming Guei Guei (乖乖), Shousan Zoo’s female Formosan black bear — also known for standing upright — as the other recipient of its largess.
Bo Bi and Guei Guei are major attractions at Shousan Zoo, with many Kaohsiung residents saying the bears are the zoo’s unofficial mascots.
In addition to the cash donation, Cheng Shin Rubber Industry Co also donated a number of its tires, which are to be made into “animal playgrounds” and other toys.
Shoushan Zoo director Chuang Hsuan-chih (莊絢智) said the zoo has 600 animals from 109 species, and that since 2013 it has managed the sponsorship program, with 800 participating individuals and corporations, who have donated about NT$1 million to the zoo.
The zoo’s black bears are the most popular sponsorship recipients, followed by the African elephants, Chuang said.
Sponsorship fees are used to help feed the zoo’s animals and improve their habitats and equipment, Chuang said, adding that notable corporate sponsors include iPass Corp and Costco Wholesale Corp.
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