Vexation Grows Over Dyed Dogs Posing as Pandas in Chinese Zoo Exhibit

In a striking transformation at a Chinese zoo, dogs have found themselves representing a vulnerable species living in miniature, a move that has sparked controversy amongst visitors.

Despite their undeniable charm, the decision to present dogs as imposters of the rare panda bear, a species unique to China, has incited outrage among many zoo attendees.

Why are people so irate over these canine panda lookalikes? Let’s delve deeper into the matter!

On the first of May, 2024, throngs of visitors excitedly waited outside the Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province, China, all eager to get a glimpse of the new attraction. On display were endearing, fluffy creatures, marked by white faces and black spots around their eyes and ears – somewhat bear-like, but not actual pandas.

Canine Pandas – A Novelty Or Deception?

The zoo introduced the ‘panda dogs’, a trend that has become quite popular in China over the recent years, as part of an attention-garnering new exhibit. Yet, the Taizhou Zoo confessed to dying Chow Chow dogs to mimic the unique black and white scheme of pandas.

To clarify, the zoo does not house any real panda bears, and they contend that this exhibit was not designed to deliberately con visitors into believing that these cute creatures were genuine pandas.

A zoo worker rejected accusations of deceit in an interview with Global Times (via Sky News) stating, “This is just a new display we offer to visitors. We are not charging extra.” The worker added, “The wording ‘featuring Chow Chow dogs’ is correct and exactly describes what they are, so we are not cheating our visitors.”

Clearly, a dog is far from being comparable to a giant panda, which can weigh up to 250 pounds. On the other hand, a Chow Chow, a medium-to-large sized canine native to Northern China, weighs between 40 to 70 pounds.

The ‘Stinkin cute’ Controversy

An online video featured by Shanghai Post displays the so-called panda dogs frolicking in their enclosure, eliciting the same delight one would expect from a dog. The post asserts, “Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province dyed two chow chow puppies black and white and promoted them as so-called ‘panda dogs.'”

While some believe the debacle to be a deliberate deception, others comment on China’s inventive spirit. “Yes, people. The zoo tried to deceive you. But look how stinkin’ CUTE they are!!!!” exclaims one user.

Critics Decry ‘Shameful Act’

Despite their irresistible appeal, the zoo has come under fire for their choice of using safe pet dyes to transform the dogs into panda pups. Critics both locally and globally are accusing the zoo of treating animals unjustly.

“This is really a shameful act. Chow Chows can’t say anything about it, unfortunately,” comments one online user, while another ponders, “Makes you wonder how all animals are treated there, right? Poor animals.”

In response, the zoo maintains that the dyes are natural and harmless. However, these assurances have failed to suppress the animal cruelty accusations

According to Sky News, the zoo’s representative defended the exhibit: “People also dye their hair. Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur.” They added, “There are no panda bears at the zoo and we wanted to do this as a result.”

Past Incidents of Deceit

This is not the first time a Chinese zoo has been accused of substitution. In 2023, the Hangzhou Zoo was criticized for trying to deceive people into thinking a Malaysian sun bear named Angela was a man in bear costume.

A video showing Angela waving to spectators in a peculiarly humanoid manner has gone viral, drawing much attention to the zoo. It is worth noting that sun bears are known for their human-like behavior, which some perceive as odd.

Earlier, in 2013, a zoo in Henan province substituted an African lion with a Tibetan Mastiff, a large furry dog breed that can weigh up to 150 lbs. The deceit was uncovered when the supposed “lion” barked at a woman and her son.

Do you think this zoo crossed ethical boundaries in its treatment of animals? Please share your views and spread the word to spark a conversation on this topic!

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