"Lying Down and Daydreaming Pays 23 Million Won a Year"... Chinese Zoo's 'Unusual Part-Time Job' Offers More Than a College Graduate's Starting Salary

[Financial News] A wildlife zoo in China is drawing intense attention online after recruiting for a so-called "bear role part-time job," in which workers wear a bear costume and play with visitors. The job has attracted a flood of applicants thanks to its unusually high pay, which exceeds the average starting salary for college graduates, and its unique working condition that allows employees to lie down if they want. The posting was closed early just days after it went up.
According to overseas media including the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 23rd local time, Luohe Wildlife Zoo in Henan Province, China, recently sought employees who would wear black bear costumes, walk around the zoo, and interact with tourists.
What stands out is the pay. The annual salary for the position is around 100,000 yuan, or about 23 million won. According to a survey by the Chinese education consulting firm Mycos Institute, the average annual salary for Chinese college graduates six months after graduation is about 74,000 yuan, or roughly 16 million won. That makes the offer highly attractive to young job seekers.
The working conditions and rules are also unusual. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, and there are no gender restrictions, but they need the physical stamina to endure a heavy costume. The job involves six-hour shifts a day and four days off each month.
During work, the use of language is "strictly prohibited" except in emergencies. Instead, workers may only make low growling sounds like a bear. The rules also require them to accept any snacks or food offered by visitors without discrimination.
Behavior on the job is highly flexible. The recruitment notice stated, "If you are tired, you can lie down right there and daydream. If you feel good, feel free to run, dance, or climb trees, however you like." It also added, "It would be even better if you attract attention with quirky or creative behavior."
As the news spread rapidly through Social Networking Service (SNS), more than 100 people applied, and the zoo said all positions were filled within days.
A zoo official said, "If you gain attention on SNS and become famous, you may be able to earn more than your base salary." The official added, "For young people, this could become a new kind of job, and for the zoo, it could open up new possibilities for generating revenue."
Local online reactions were mixed. Some people said, "Given the reality of wages, this is the best part-time job," expressing envy. Others voiced concern, saying, "I wonder whether anyone can endure Henan Province's sweltering summer heat in a thick fur suit," and "I'm worried children may not be able to tell real wildlife from fake ones."

moon@fnnews.com Moon Young-jin Reporter