Polar bear's unusual behavior captivates visitors at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka

A polar bear at Tennoji Zoo in Osaka, Japan has garnered significant online attention for displaying unusual and surreal behavior that has amused social media users. The bear, known as Hou-chan, resides at the historic zoo, which has been operating for over 110 years in Osaka's Tennoji ward. The facility houses approximately 170 animal species and 1,000 individual animals, and regularly hosts events such as feeding times and snack time demonstrations for visitors.

The peculiar behavior has gone viral on social media platforms, with viewers expressing surprise and laughter at the sight. The incident highlights the zoo's role as a major attraction within Osaka and its capacity to generate widespread public interest through animal-related content.

According to Japan's National Tourism Organization data, Osaka Prefecture attracted significant tourism in 2024, with total travel consumption reaching approximately 958 billion yen and an average per-visitor spending of around 30,000 yen. The polar bear incident contributes to the broader appeal of Osaka's attractions, reinforcing the prefecture's position as a popular tourist destination.