Outrage in China as Zoo Admits 'Pandas' Were Just Painted Dogs

Zoogoers in China were shocked and outraged after discovering that the so-called “pandas” they were admiring were actually just painted dogs. The deception was uncovered at the Shanwei zoo in southern Guangdong province when one of the supposed pandas began panting and barking, according to local media reports.

The ‘Panda Dogs’ Exposed

A video, which has gone viral on Chinese social media, shows one of the ‘pandas’ lying on a rock and panting in a clearly doglike manner. Another clip captures a different ‘panda’ strolling across a lawn, its long, curly tail betraying its true identity. Visitors also reported hearing the animals barking.

The zoo initially attempted to deflect the accusations, claiming that the animals were a breed of “panda dogs.” However, faced with overwhelming evidence, the zoo eventually confessed that they had painted two Chow Chows — a breed of spitz dogs known for their fluffy coats — with black and white panda markings.

Not the First Time

This is not the first time a Chinese zoo has been caught faking pandas. In May 2024, the Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province also came under fire for dyeing Chow Chows and presenting them as pandas. Initially, they claimed the dogs were a rare breed called “panda dogs,” but later admitted that the animals were simply dyed dogs.

Zoo officials at the Taizhou Zoo defended their actions, stating, “There are no panda bears at the zoo and we wanted to do this as a result.” The response sparked widespread criticism, with many accusing the zoo of animal cruelty and misleading visitors.

Public Outrage and Ethical Concerns

The recent incident at the Shanwei Zoo has ignited public outrage, with visitors demanding refunds and condemning the zoo for its blatant deception. The incident has also raised ethical concerns about the treatment of animals and the potential for animal cruelty in the name of entertainment.

Beyond the Zoo

The practice of dyeing dogs to resemble other animals is not limited to zoos. In 2019, a cafe in Chengdu, China, offered a dyeing service for pets, allowing owners to have their dogs painted to look like pandas. In 2016, pet shops in Guangdong were found to be selling dogs dyed to look like miniature tigers.

A Call for Authenticity

This recurring trend highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the zoo industry. Some experts argue that the incident underscores the importance of zoo inspections to ensure the authenticity of animal exhibits. These inspections would help to prevent similar incidents and safeguard the welfare of animals.

Ultimately, the incident at the Shanwei Zoo serves as a stark reminder of the importance of authenticity and ethical animal care. Visitors deserve to experience genuine encounters with animals, and zoos should be held accountable for upholding these principles.