This is the amusing moment a rare sun bear playfully sniffed a camera, captivating tourists with its cute moves.

Footage shows the adorable creature rising on its hind legs and appearing to respond to gestures from a zoo visitor on the other side of the glass at Moscow Zoo in Russia.

The animal then moved away as the clip ended on Saturday, July 26.

The zoo is home to two sun bears - a species native to Southeast Asia and known as the smallest of all bear species. They are distinguished by their short black fur and the crescent-shaped patch of lighter fur on their chest.

Founded in 1864, Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe, housing over 8,000 animals across 1,000 species, including the endangered sun bear, which is listed as vulnerable due to habitat loss and poaching.