Chinese zoo faces backlash for dyeing dogs as ‘pandas’

• A YouTube video revealed puppies with panda-like markings, but their behavior raised doubts about their true identity.

• The zoo acknowledged dyeing the dogs but claimed they were marketed as “panda dogs,” asserting no deception occurred.

A zoo in China is facing criticism for dyeing Chow Chow dogs to look like pandas, which upset many visitors.

A video on YouTube showed the puppies with black spots on their ears and legs, making them appear panda-like, but their behavior raised doubts.

When asked about it, the zoo admitted to coloring the dogs to mimic pandas but insisted they did not trick anyone, saying they called them “panda dogs.”

This situation has led to calls for refunds at the Guangdong Shanwei Zoo, which claims to have “rare and exotic animals.”

This incident follows a similar case in May at Taizhou Zoo, where Chow Chows were also altered to resemble pandas, leading to accusations of animal cruelty.

The zoo defended its actions by saying they had no real pandas and that the “panda dogs” were a substitute attraction.

“A lot of people are coming to visit them and you need to queue up. There are no panda bears at the zoo and we wanted to do this as a result. You can see them from between 8.30 am and 5 pm,” the zoo spokesperson stated.

Addressing the animal cruelty claims, the spokesperson added, “People also dye their hair. Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur.”