Many social media users pointed to the bear's upright posture and its noticeably wrinkled skin as reasons for their scepticism. The zoo, however, has firmly denied these allegations, asserting that Angela is indeed a real sun bear.

Sun bears, which are native to Southeast Asia, are the smallest species of bear and are characterised by a bright patch of fur on their chest. The species is currently listed as vulnerable due to threats from deforestation and the global wildlife trade.