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Dogs, bears, zebras and monkeys gathered with their fellow animal athletes at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park on Thursday (September 28) as they competed in the fourth National Animal Olympics, in China. More than 300 animal athletes will fight it out for the next two months in a range of events from track and field to soccer at the park. Three monkeys, two bears and one human competed in the opening bicycle racing event. It was a wild affair as the competitors criss-crossed each other's paths on the racing track, while some just left the race before they made it to the finish line. One of the bears was crowned champion after the chaotic event. Hundreds of school children from neighbouring schools cheered the animals on as the competition intensified throughout the morning. For most, it was just the perfect chance to see their favourite animals. "I feel that the monkeys are the best because they can do so many things. I think they are impressive," said 7-year-old Zhang Jingyi (pron: Chang-Jing-yee) More than 30 species of animals form the teams from 26 Chinese provinces and cities participating in this year's Animal Olympics. Organisers say this year's event is the biggest they've staged yet.