Zoo staff created a straw 'dummy' to teach an Asian black bear cub to forage for food on its own.

Zookeepers devised the special activity for the six-month-old baby bear named Ang Pao at the Khon Kaen Zoo in Thailand on July 11.

Footage shows Ang Pao and its mum licking up the straw-filled sack tied to a pole in their enclosure. The object had been doused with honey, said to be the bears' favourite food.

Zoo director Narongwit Chodchoy said the cub was receiving special attention because it was the first Asian black bear to be successfully bred at the zoo.

He said: 'By providing Ang Pao with the opportunity to climb and search for food, the zoo aims to simulate the bear's natural behaviour, enhancing the cub's sense of smell and strengthen its arm and leg muscles.'

Ang Pao was born on January 22 to parents Tang Thai and Tangmo, both 24.

The population of Asian black bears is steadily declining, and they are categorised as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List.

Asian black bears can grow up to 190 centimetres. Fully grown males can weigh between 100 to 200 kilogrammes, while females generally weigh between 50 to 125 kilogrammes.

The Asian black bear has rough fur that is predominantly black or brown throughout its body, except for its chest, which features a distinct V-shaped patch of light yellow colour. The bear has longer fur on its shoulders and neck region.

Asian black bears are have large ears and are able to walk fully on their feet, with their footprints smaller than an average human's.

They are categorised as a protected wild animal under the Wild Animal Conservation and Protection Act of Thailand.