Zoogoers in China have been left outraged after discovering that the “pandas” they were admiring at the Shanwei zoo were, in fact, just painted dogs. Visitors claimed they only realized the deception when one of the supposed pandas started panting and barking, according to reports from local media. A video filmed by a visitor captured the moment one of the animals, which had been disguised with black and white markings, was visibly panting while lying on a rock in a fenced enclosure.
Initially, the zoo tried to justify the bizarre situation by insisting that the animals were a breed of “panda dogs.” However, it later admitted that the animals were chow chows, a spitz breed popular in northern China, that had been dyed to resemble pandas. The zoo’s actions have sparked significant backlash, with duped visitors demanding refunds for what they described as a deceptive display.
This incident is not the first of its kind in China. Earlier in May, the Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province faced similar outrage when visitors discovered that what appeared to be pandas were chow chows with their faces dyed to look like the famous bears. Zoo officials at the time defended their actions, stating that they did not have any actual pandas and resorted to fake ones to fulfill visitor expectations.
The situation has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many expressing their frustration and calling for stricter regulations on animal displays in zoos. Some have also questioned the ethical implications of dyeing animals to mislead the public.
While pandas are a national symbol in China and a major draw for tourists, their rarity and high cost make them difficult for most zoos to obtain. Nonetheless, many are calling for transparency and honesty from these facilities, emphasizing that visitors would prefer seeing real animals or none at all rather than being fooled by counterfeit exhibits.
As public pressure mounts, the Shanwei Zoo has yet to announce whether they will be issuing refunds or facing any penalties. The controversy continues to fuel discussions about animal welfare and the responsibility of zoos to provide authentic, ethical experiences for their visitors.