Ever dreamt of seeing real pandas up close? Well, visitors to a zoo in China had their hopes dashed when they found out that the adorable bamboo-munching creatures they were promised were actually just dogs in disguise!
This unexpected twist left many disappointed and sparked a wave of criticism against the zoo for misleading its guests.
An article published on May 4 by Chinese media Jiupai News, and translated by 9gag, reported that the zoo in Jiangsu province organized a meet-and-greet with these animals during China’s five-day Labor Day holiday from May 1 to 5.
Pictures of the event’s ticket, shared on the Chinese microblogging website Weibo, showed that guests were invited to meet animals called “panda dogs” (熊猫犬).
A zoo in China faced backlash for deceiving visitors by painting dogs to look like pandas during a holiday event
Source: MK_西多士
Source: MK_西多士
Tens of thousands of visitors flocked to see the “panda dogs,” only to discover that the name was meant quite literally—they had paid to see dogs dyed to look like pandas.
In the face of mounting criticism on social media, a zoo staff member admitted to Jiupai News that these “panda dogs” were actually Chow Chows, specially dyed for the Labour Day holiday event.
The American Kennel Club describes the Chow Chow as an ancient Chinese breed known for its sturdy build, lion-like mane, deep-set almond eyes, and distinctive blue-black tongue.
Photos of the event tickets shared on Weibo revealed that guests were invited to meet animals referred to as “panda dogs”
Source: 岱青山人
Source: E-路逍遥
Another zoo employee mentioned that the idea of dyeing the dogs to look like pandas came from the internet.
Speaking to Jiangsu News, the staff member explained, “This way, we can make the zoo more entertaining and attract more visitors.”
He also noted that the zoo’s limited space made it impossible to house real giant pandas.
The panda dogs were actually Chow Chows, making their debut with a panda-like appearance during the Labor Day holiday
Source: E-路逍遥
Another zoo worker dismissed ethical concerns about dyeing the dogs, saying, “People dye their hair all the time.
“As such, if dogs grow out their hair, they could also dye it.
“This is the same as human hair.”
Source: MK_西多士
According to Hill’s Pet, a company specializing in pet food, using human hair dye on pets can be toxic, particularly because dogs tend to lick their fur.
The website advises against products containing harsh chemicals like hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. They also caution against dyeing a dog’s hair if the dog has any skin conditions, as the dye can worsen these issues.
In 2021, Peta condemned a dog owner whose attempt to dye their pet’s fur nearly resulted in the dog’s death. Peta highlighted the dangers, stating, “Dog hair dye jobs can cause serious allergic reactions or stress. Some animals may even suffer burns or fatal poisoning from the toxins.”
“If Wish did zoos,” a reader commented
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The controversy surrounding the zoo’s decision to paint dogs as pandas underscores broader concerns about animal welfare and ethical practices in the entertainment industry. While the zoo may have sought to increase visitor numbers, the backlash serves as a reminder of the importance of treating animals with respect and dignity.
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