Zoo Criticized for Unusual Animal Disguise, Sparks Visitor Outrage

Visitors at a Chinese zoo were shocked to find out that the pandas they were admiring were actually painted dogs.

At a Glance

A Chinese zoo faced backlash after visitors discovered the “pandas” were actually painted dogs.
Visitors demanded refunds when the “pandas” began panting and barking.
The zoo admitted the animals were painted Chow Chows.
Another zoo previously faced criticism for similar fraudulent activities.
Concerns about potential animal abuse arose from the dye used on the dogs.

Visitor Outrage in Shanwei Zoo

This week, visitors to the Shanwei zoo in China were left in disbelief and anger. They thought they were seeing pandas, but their delight turned to outrage when the supposed pandas started exhibiting dog-like behaviors. Panting and barking revealed these were not exotic animals, but local Chow Chow dogs painted to look like giant pandas.

The zoo initially tried to defend their actions by branding the animals as “panda dogs,” claiming they were not trying to deceive anyone. However, public outrage was overwhelming, with many visitors demanding refunds. The zoo had no choice but to come clean about dyeing the fur of the Chow Chows to masquerade as pandas.

Previous Incidents of Zoo Deceptions

This incident is not isolated. A similar case occurred at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, where dogs painted to look like pandas stirred complaints and controversy among visitors. People were charged £2.25 to see the so-called “new species” during China’s Labour Day holiday, only to find themselves deceived by yet another fraudulent exhibit.

Another zoo, the Hangzhou Zoo, faced yet more scrutiny when visitors speculated that bears walking on hind legs were humans in bear costumes. The zoo denied these rumors, explaining the bears were indeed sun bears from Malaysia, not humans in disguise. Nevertheless, the series of deceptions at various Chinese zoos has raised serious questions about ethical treatment and honesty in animal exhibits.

Concerns Over Animal Welfare

Visitors expressed concerns not just about being deceived but also about the implications for animal welfare. The use of dye on the Chow Chows was especially troubling. Zoo officials defended their decision, claiming the dye used on the dogs was not harmful and rationalizing that people frequently dye their hair as well.

“People also dye their hair,” said the spokesperson. “Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur.”

This justification has done little to assuage the public. Concerns remain about the potential impact of such practices on the animals’ health and well-being. As some visitors suggested, the focus should rather be on educating the public about real wildlife conservation rather than resorting to misleading tactics.

Zoogoers outraged to discover ‘panda’ exhibit was actually dogs dyed black and white https://t.co/3eD75K3JWo pic.twitter.com/0HWKMOZwx2

— New York Post (@nypost) May 6, 2024

A Trend with Questionable Values

Dressing dogs to resemble pandas is not an entirely new phenomenon in China. This practice has been a trend for over a decade, although mostly among pet owners rather than zoos. According to reports, the popularity of these “panda dogs” has been growing, partly due to shifting views on pet ownership in the country.

“Ten years ago the natural instinct of a Chinese person was to eat a dog,” Hsin Ch’en, a pet shop owner in Chengdu, Sichuan, told London’s Metro newspaper. “Now we are like Westerners and want one as a companion. The cute breeds like French bulldogs and labradors were the favorites, but now it is the panda dog.”

While the trend might seem harmless to some, it raises ethical questions when adopted by institutions meant to educate and conserve animal species. The painting of dogs and presenting them as another species not only misleads the public but also potentially endangers the animals involved.