A polar bear is seen at an aquarium in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province. (Photo/Guangzhou Daily)
(ECNS) -- An aquarium in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, has denied its star polar bear is in low spirits or has been abused, Guangzhou Daily reported.
Photos that went viral online seemed to show the bear, named Pizza, acting listless at Grand View Aquarium.
A worker at the aquarium named Lisa said it appeared to be in a poor condition and abused in the images but that it's actually "a normal situation."
She said the polar bear spends about two-thirds of its time in a quiet status, sleeping, lying down or waiting for prey.
Li Chengtang, deputy general manager of the aquarium and a member of China Wildlife Conservation Association, said Pizza arrived at the aquarium at 2 years old and has been healthy and active.
The bear's monthly food expense totals tens of thousands of yuan and it also receives routine checks by vets using advanced equipment, he added.
Many visitors have expressed concern for the relatively small space for so many animals, which include white whales, penguins and sea lions. Li said the aquarium is gradually improving its environment by working with animal protection organizations.
