A zoo in China has come under fire for trying to deceive visitors with a pair of Chow Chows that were dyed black and white to resemble panda bears. The phenomenon of “panda dogs” has sparked controversy on Chinese social media, with videos circulating showing the dogs with their wagging tails that give away their true identity. While zoo officials insist that they clearly advertised the dogs as “panda dogs” and did not make any false claims, they have faced criticism for misleading visitors and potentially mistreating the animals.
The Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province, which does not have real pandas, has defended the dog exhibit by stating that the Chow Chows had not been harmed in any way. Despite the backlash, officials reported that the number of people coming to see the “panda dogs” remained at a normal level. However, some social media users have expressed concern about the potential health risks to the dogs, citing their fragile skin and naturally thick coats which could make them susceptible to skin diseases as a result of being dyed.
This incident is not the first time that “panda dogs” have sparked discussion in China. In 2019, a dog cafe in Sichuan province raised animal rights concerns with its six Chow Chows that were also dyed to resemble panda bears. Similarly, in 2020, a viral video from the same province showed a woman walking a “panda” that was later revealed to be a dyed Chow Chow. Other zoos in China have also been accused of presenting fake animals, such as dogs dressed up as wolves or African cats, further fueling the debate about animal welfare and ethics in the country.
Despite the controversy surrounding “panda dogs” and other instances of animals being misrepresented in Chinese zoos, officials have continued to defend their practices. The Taizhou Zoo spokesperson compared dyeing a dog’s fur to a human dyeing their hair, arguing that it is a harmless form of expression. While some visitors may find the novelty of seeing “panda dogs” entertaining, others are concerned about the implications for animal welfare and the message it sends to the public about the treatment of animals in captivity.
Animal rights activists have called for greater transparency and accountability from zoos in China and around the world to ensure that animals are treated ethically and with respect. The practice of dyeing dogs to resemble other animals raises questions about the ethical boundaries of entertainment and tourism, particularly when it involves potentially harmful practices that could impact the well-being of the animals involved. As discussions continue to unfold on social media, the controversy surrounding “panda dogs” serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible stewardship of animals in captivity and the need for greater awareness of animal welfare issues in the tourism industry.
