A Chinese zoo is causing a stir after dyeing a dog’s fur to look like a panda’s in a new exhibit.
The Taizhou Zoo in China’s Jiangsu Province dyed two Chow Chow dogs and promoted them as “panda dogs” in an exhibit that began on May 1.
The zoo was not eligible to acquire a real panda, a bear species endemic to China, so it settled on an attractive alternative, a spokesperson told Chinese state media. Officials got the idea from the Internet.
While some people may be fascinated by this exhibit, there are also those who criticize the act all at once.
Officials say the dog was not harmed.
The zoo faced a backlash from people who accused authorities of misleading visitors and mistreating the dogs, according to state media.
Some comments on Chinese social media platform Weibo said the practice was not funny, as dogs have delicate skin and naturally thick coats that make them susceptible to skin diseases. However, according to NBC News, zoo officials denied claims that the dogs were harmed, with a spokesperson comparing it to the way humans dye their hair.
“Dogs can also dye their hair. It’s the same as hair,” a spokesperson told Qilu Evening News.
According to Hills Pet Nutrition, semi-permanent pet-safe dyes are sold to safely dye pets and are often sold in gel or liquid form.
NBC News reports that the dogs are still part of the exhibit and that a certain number of guests visit them at a “normal level.”
Bear at another Chinese zoo accused of human fraud
The panda dog is not the first fake animal controversy at a Chinese zoo.
In July, Hangzhou Zoo in Zhejiang province faced rumors that some of its bears were human impostors. However, authorities strongly denied this theory, which went viral thanks to photos and videos of sun bears standing on their hind legs.
In a statement written from Angela the bear’s perspective, zoo officials denied that Angela and her fellow zoo bears were human impostors. A post on the zoo’s website read: “I’m working hard, but someone suspects I’m looking for a replacement?” This post was written in Chinese and translated to English through Google.
“Let me emphasize again: I am a sun bear! I am not a black bear! I am not a dog! I am a sun bear!” the statement said.
Contributor: Natalie Neisa Alland
