The Shanwei Zoo in Guangdong Province, China, recently faced public scrutiny after introducing a unique exhibit featuring chow chow dogs dyed to resemble pandas. Consequently, a viral video on Douyin sparked an online debate about the authenticity and welfare of the "panda dogs" displayed at the zoo, UPI reported.
Initially, the situation began when visitors to Shanwei Zoo encountered an unusual exhibit where chow chows, a fluffy dog breed, had their fur dyed black and white to mimic the distinct appearance of pandas. As a result, someone captured the scene and shared it on Douyin, China's leading short-video platform, quickly attracting widespread attention.
The zoo's management has maintained transparency about the exhibit's nature. In addition, they provided signs explaining that these were "panda dogs," specifically chow chows that underwent safe dyeing processes to achieve their panda-like look. Furthermore, the zoo emphasized that no deception was intended, as they clearly labeled the animals to inform visitors of their true identity.
Overall, this exhibit reflects a creative, albeit controversial, approach to animal display, especially since Shanwei Zoo lacks the means to house actual pandas. Moreover, the sign at the exhibit described the dogs as "gentle, smart, friendly, cute, and adorable," characteristics that pet owners appreciate.
This incident is not isolated. In fact, earlier in the year, another Chinese zoo, Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, faced similar controversy by displaying chow chows with dyed fur, which sparked a heated debate over the ethics and well-being of the animals involved.
In response to the recurring controversies, a spokesperson for Shanwei Zoo reassured the public that the dye used was non-harmful and emphasized that the animals' welfare remained a top priority during the makeover process.
"We are called Panda Dogs, a pet dog that looks like a panda, dyed and dressed up by chow chow. We are gentle, smart, friendly, cute, and adorable," stated the sign, reiterating the zoo’s commitment to the well-being and presentation of the animals.
The public has reacted mixedly to the dyed dogs. Some visitors find the display innovative and entertaining, appreciating the zoo's creative efforts to draw interest amidst a lack of actual pandas. However, others express concerns about animal ethics, questioning whether the aesthetic alteration could affect the chow chows' health or mislead less attentive visitors.
Moreover, online discourse has also polarized, with animal rights activists voicing disapproval and raising questions about the necessity and humanity of such exhibits. Conversely, some netizens view it as harmless fun, arguing that as long as the animals are not harmed, they might find such practices acceptable.
The zoo's spokesperson explained that the initiative to introduce "panda dogs" stems from an educational and economic rationale. Specifically, by transforming ordinary dogs into a visually stunning exhibit, the zoo aims to educate the public about animal care and creativity while also boosting visitation numbers.
Furthermore, the spokesperson emphasized that trained staff performed the dyeing procedure under strict supervision and that it was completely safe, alleviating concerns about potential health impacts on the dogs. "It does not appear the zoo was intending to mislead visitors," the zoo clarified, indicating that it focused more on artistic portrayal than deception.
Looking forward, the zoo plans to monitor public feedback closely and may consider adjusting its exhibit strategies to better align with visitor expectations and ethical standards.
