Controversy Over ‘Panda Dogs’ at Taizhou Zoo in China

A zoo in Jiangsu, China, known as Taizhou Zoo, has sparked controversy over its new exhibit featuring ‘panda dogs’. The zoo, lacking actual pandas, dyed two Chow Chow dogs to resemble the iconic bear species native to China. This exhibit opened on May 1 and quickly garnered attention, with the dogs being advertised as ‘panda dogs’ to visitors.

Despite some finding the exhibit enchanting, it has faced criticism from individuals who accuse the zoo of misleading guests and potentially mistreating the dogs. Concerns have been raised over the dogs’ health, as their thick coats and delicate skin might be adversely affected by the dye. However, zoo officials have denied any harm coming to the animals, likening the dyeing process to how humans color their hair.

The controversy has sparked discussions on Chinese social media platform Weibo, where users have expressed varying opinions. While some argue that dyeing the dogs is inappropriate, others defend the practice, highlighting that pet-safe dyes are available for such purposes. The zoo maintained that the dogs continue to be a part of the exhibit and draw a consistent number of visitors.

This is not the first instance of a ‘fake animal’ controversy in Chinese zoos. Previously, the Hangzhou Zoo in Zhejiang faced similar rumors regarding its bears being human imposters. However, officials strongly refuted these claims, emphasizing the authenticity of their animal collection. Further instances of dogs being presented as other animals, such as wolves or African cats, have also been reported at various zoos in China.

The ‘panda dogs’ controversy underscores the complexities of balancing entertainment and animal welfare in zoo settings worldwide. As discussions surrounding ethical treatment of animals continue, zoos face increasing scrutiny over their practices and exhibits.

Reporting on this story from Hong Kong is Larissa Gao, a fellow based in Asia Desk at NBC News, with contributions from Dawn Liu.