• News
  • Film and TV
  • Music
  • Tech
  • Features
  • Celebrity
  • Politics
  • Weird
  • Community
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Threads
TikTok
YouTube
Submit Your Content
Zoo defends ‘panda’ exhibit after criticism for using dogs dyed black and white

Home> News> World News

Published 10:41 7 May 2024 GMT+1

Zoo defends ‘panda’ exhibit after criticism for using dogs dyed black and white

Taizhou Zoo in China unveiled the animals as it admitted it didn't have any actual pandas to show

Emily Brown

Emily Brown

Featured Image Credit: Jam Press

Topics: Animals, China, Dogs, Social Media, Viral

Emily Brown
Emily Brown

Emily Brown is UNILAD Editorial Lead at LADbible Group. She first began delivering news when she was just 11 years old - with a paper route - before graduating with a BA Hons in English Language in the Media from Lancaster University. Emily joined UNILAD in 2018 to cover breaking news, trending stories and longer form features. She went on to become Community Desk Lead, commissioning and writing human interest stories from across the globe, before moving to the role of Editorial Lead. Emily now works alongside the UNILAD Editor to ensure the page delivers accurate, interesting and high quality content.

Advert

Advert

Advert

A zoo in China has hit back at criticism after unveiling a new attraction featuring dogs which had been dyed to look like pandas.

If you're a fan of the zoo, chances are you enjoy going to see animals you wouldn't usually see hanging out around the house or in your local area.

More likely, you're excited to see exotic creatures from far away places, or animals you'd usually only encounter if you happened to be deep in the wild.

However, visitors to Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, China are apparently 'queueing' to see an animal they could easily see in civilization - it just happens to look a little bit different.

Advert

On May 1, the zoo drew large crowds of excited animal lovers as it prepared to unveil a new attraction.

When the zoo revealed the animals, visitors were met with the sight of little four-legged creatures, with white faces and black spots around their eyes and ears - not unlike the colorings of a panda.

The only thing is, these creatures weren't pandas. In fact, they were Chow Chows - a dog you might recognize from real life or social media, since they're very much the opposite of a wild animal.

The dogs were in full panda attire. (Jam Press)
The dogs were in full panda attire. (Jam Press)

Advert

The spitz-type dogs originally come from northern China, and were presented at the zoo because the owners said they didn't have any actual pandas to show visitors.

The owners were accused of trimming and dying the dogs to look like pandas, causing some backlash as locals accused the zoo of animal cruelty.

However, a spokesperson for the zoo hit back at the criticism as they pointed out that 'people also dye their hair'.

The spokesperson also indicated that the revelation hasn't stopped visitors from coming to the zoo, with people still flocking to see the little panda imposters.

Advert

Visitors are said to be queuing to see the creatures. (Jam Press)
Visitors are said to be queuing to see the creatures. (Jam Press)

“Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur," the spokesperson said.

“There are no panda bears at the zoo and we wanted to do this as a result. A lot of people are coming to visit them and you need to queue up.

“You can see them from between 8.30am and 5.00pm.”

Advert

The zoo's newest attraction has sparked mixed responses online, with one viewer saying the Chow Chows looked 'cute' with their panda-inspired fur.

Another joked: "Well that’s an extreme way to get your dogs cared for while you’re at work lol.”

However, one critic wrote: "Cruel to do this to dogs."

According to What's The Jam, a local pet beautician has stated that natural dyes are suitable for most pets - though owners are advised to avoid any products with chemicals.

  • Hawk Tuah girl’s new venture explained as she reveals what ‘newfound financial blessings’ will fund following controversy
  • There's a reason hot dogs and buns aren't sold in the same number
  • Residents make terrifying discovery inside pool filter and take drastic measures
  • Influencer forced to flee Australia after enraging locals with viral video of her taking baby wombat from its mother

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
  • an hour ago

    Shocking new study reveals the impact exposure to vaping while pregnant can have on your baby

    It might be a good idea to ditch vaping altogether

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    Man left in critical condition after he was sucked into MRI machine while wearing metal necklace

    The unidentified man was not permitted to enter the MRI room

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    Dating expert reveals the top five signs your partner is cheating

    Claire Rénier has shared warning signs to look out for and encouraged people to 'trust your gut'

    News
  • 2 hours ago

    Expert warns of devastating impact Trump’s proposed recipe change of Coca-Cola could have on US

    An expert has revealed the switch up could make things very different

    News