A zoo in China has admitted to disguising dogs as pandas by painting them, following outrage from visitors who noticed the animals barking and panting. The Shanwei Zoo in Guangdong province faced scrutiny after a viral video surfaced showing the so-called “pandas” behaving like dogs, with one seen wagging its curly tail and another panting heavily.
Initially, the zoo claimed that the animals were “panda dogs,” a term used to describe a breed resembling pandas due to dyeing. However, they later confessed to using chow chows, a dog breed known for its thick fur, and coloring them to look like pandas in an attempt to attract more visitors.
This incident mirrors a similar controversy from May when dogs disguised as pandas were discovered at a different zoo in Jiangsu Province. The zoo had opted for this strategy after being denied permission to display real giant pandas.
Zoo officials defended their actions, stating they were transparent about the animals being “panda dogs” and likened the practice to people dyeing their hair. Despite the explanation, some visitors demanded refunds, feeling misled by the unusual tactic.