These pandas were boring.Dogswere painted white and black to pass asreal pandasat a zoo in China, drawing criticism for misleading thousands of guests who were excited to see some real bamboo-eating bears.
HighlightsA Chinese zoo was criticized for painting dogs as pandas, misleading visitors during a holiday event.Chow Chows were dyed black and white to mimic pandas.The zoo claimed dyeing dogs boosted visitor numbers, and admitted inability to house real pandas.
Pictures of the event’s ticket shared on the Chinese microblogging website Weibo showed that guests were invited to meet theanimalcalled panda dogs (熊猫犬).
Image credits:MK_西多士 /Weibo
Image credits:岱青山人 /Weibo
Tens of thousands of people reportedly visited thepanda dogs. But unbeknownst to them, “panda dogs” was a species name to be taken literally, as they paid to go see dogs that had been dyed to look like pandas.
In response to the growing backlash unveiled on social media, azoostaff member confirmed withJiupai Newsthat the panda dogs were actually Chow Chows who debuted their panda-like appearance during the Labour Day holiday.
The Chow Chow is an all-purpose dog of ancient China, theAmerican Kennel Clubwrites. The breed is notable for its sturdy build, lion-like mane, deep-set almond eyes, and unique blue-black tongue.
Pictures of the event’s ticket shared on Weibo showed that guests were invited to meet the animal called panda dogs
Image credits:E-路逍遥/Weibo
Another zoo staff member reportedly claimed that the animal park got the idea of dyeing the dogs into pandas online.
The employee toldJiangsu News: “This way, we will be able to add more fun into the zoo and boost footfall.”
He further explained that due to its relatively compact size, thezoocouldn’t accommodate real giant pandas.
The panda dogs were actually Chow Chows who debuted their panda-like appearance during the Labour Day holiday
Regarding the dyeing of the dogs, another zoo worker expressed a lack of ethical concerns, as they said: “Normal individuals also dye their hair.
“As such, if dogs grow out their hair, they could also dye it.
“This is the same as human hair.”
As per American pet food companyHill’s Pet, hair dye for humans on pets can be toxic. This is especially dangerous since dogs lick themselves.
The website warns against using products that contain harsh chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide and ammonia, as well as not dying your dog’s hair if they have a skin condition or have irritated or itchy skin, as dye could further aggravate it.
In 2021,animal rightsnonprofit Peta denounced a dog owner for nearly killing theirfour-legged loyal friendas a result of dying their fur.
“If Wish did zoos,” a reader commented
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