Chinese Zoo Exhibit Features Dogs Disguised as Pandas
A Chinese zoo exhibit is facing backlash after a viral video surfaced online. The video highlights two chow chow dogs with their fur dyed to resemble pandas. It was shared on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, and quickly gained widespread attention.
The Shanwei Zoo, located in southern Guangdong province, seems to clarify its intentions. A photo from CNN displays a sign that identifies these animals as "panda dogs."
The sign states, "We are called Panda Dogs, a pet dog that looks like a panda, dyed and dressed up by chow chow. We are gentle, smart, friendly, cute, and adorable."
Earlier this year, the Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province ignited a similar debate. In its panda exhibit, chow chows with dyed fur were also showcased.
A spokesman for the Taizhou Zoo defended the choice to display dogs, explaining the zoo lacks resident pandas. He assured the public that the dyeing process posed no health risks to the dogs.