A zoo in Guangdong, China, is facing backlash after visitors discovered that its “pandas” were actually dogs painted to look like the iconic animals.
A viral YouTube video showed the black-and-white dogs with dark circles around their eyes, leaving visitors suspicious when the animals began panting in their enclosure.
The zoo later admitted that the animals were dyed Chow Chows, a fluffy dog breed from northern China. However, the zoo denied misleading anyone, claiming they had never called the dogs pandas, instead referring to them as “panda dogs.”
Despite the explanation, visitors were not pleased and demanded refunds from the zoo, which claims to showcase “rare and exotic animals.” This incident follows a similar controversy in May at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, where Chow Chows were also dyed to look like pandas, sparking accusations of animal cruelty.
The Guangdong zoo defended its actions, stating they don’t have real pandas to display, but critics are calling it unethical.
