Grandview mall has yet to officially respond to the offer from Yorkshire Wildlife Park to rehouse the captive polar bear, known as Pizza, despite global media attention.

Pizza’s plight, and the offer to save her, was covered by CNN and BBC among many other media outlets around the world. A petition to save Pizza has collected over half a million signatures, while thousands of Chinese netizens have voiced their concerns on social media.

The debate continues to reflect global opinion that animals should not be used for entertainment.

International reports from unnamed Grandview staff members have suggested some negativity towards the offer — with Grandview staff maintaining that they already have animal welfare very much in mind. However, there has been no definitive response. The offer from Yorkshire Wildlife Park remains open and ongoing.

Currently, Pizza is one of a number of animals within the Grandview shopping centre in Guangzhou. The facility has been dubbed “the world’s saddest zoo” and includes six young belugas, five walrus calves, wolves and arctic foxes.

Reports are also now suggesting that Grandview will expand its animal facilities.

See also: Pizza, the world's saddest polar bear is just one of thousands of "wild" animals living in malls in China.

Dave Neale, Animals Asia’s Animal Welfare Director said:

“Pizza’s story has moved people all over the world and sparked debate within China regarding the treatment and use of animals in this way. The early reaction to Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s offer to rehome Pizza doesn’t give much room for optimism however, until they respond, there is hope.

“Our offer to work with Grandview to provide veterinary and animal management advice that can improve the lives of all animals in their care is also still open.”

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