Taizhou Zoo in China has sparked controversy online after visitors discovered that the “pandas” in one of its exhibits were actually chow chow dogs painted to resemble the iconic bears.
The Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province unveiled the exhibit on May 1, but visitors were quick to express their surprise and disappointment at the deception.
Visitors’ Shock at Taizhou Zoo’s “Panda Dogs
According to reports, the dogs had their fur trimmed and dyed to closely mimic the appearance of pandas. While some visitors found the exhibit amusing, many others criticized the zoo for misleading the public and potentially causing harm to the dogs.
In response to the criticism, a spokesman for the zoo defended the decision to display the painted dogs, citing the lack of resident pandas. He also assured the public that the dyeing process used on the dogs was safe and not harmful.
An employee of the Taizhou Zoo told state-run media outlet The Global Times that the exhibit was not intended to deceive visitors. Signage posted at the enclosure reportedly explains that the animals are chow chows disguised as pandas.
The incident has reignited debate about the ethics of using animals for entertainment purposes and has prompted calls for greater transparency in zoo exhibits. Critics argue that while the exhibit may have been intended as a novelty, it raises questions about the welfare of the animals involved.
The Taizhou Zoo has not issued a formal statement in response to the criticism, but the incident has sparked discussion on social media about the treatment of animals in captivity and the responsibilities of zoos to their animal inhabitants.
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