Chinese zoo's 'panda dogs' spark curiosity and controversy
Staff at the zoo in Taizhou, China, went to great lengths to feature pandas among their exhibits. Consequently, they groomed two dogs' coats and coloured their fur black and white. "There are no panda bears at the zoo, and we wanted to do this as a result," a zoo representative clarified to the "New York Post," shedding light on the controversial act.
According to the New York Post, the zoo showcased extraordinary creatures. The pandas revealed on May 1 at the Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province were Chow Chow dogs, distinguished by their lush fur and unique facial features.
To justify their actions, Taizhou Zoo officials underscored a compelling reason - at least from their perspective.
The space available was insufficient for housing genuine pandas. When asked about the rationale behind introducing "dog pandas," the response was: "Owning no pandas compelled us to undertake this initiative."
"Dog pandas" captivate visitors at Chinese zoo
Driven by the desire to exhibit "pandas" by any means necessary, it emerged that the zoo staff shaved the dogs' coats and applied black dye to their snouts. This creative endeavour made them strikingly mimic the renowned Chinese bear known for its bamboo diet.
Each day from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, these "dog pandas" were showcased, drawing large crowds, as reported by the "New York Post".
The zoo faced criticism from many quarters, with accusations centred around the dyeing of the dogs' fur, sparking widespread debate. To defuse the controversy, the zoo spokesperson countered these claims, noting, "People also dye their hair" – and pointed out that "natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur."
China's "dog pandas" win hearts
The small dogs masquerading as pandas quickly endeared themselves to visitors, winning admiration across social platforms.
An online commentator exclaimed, "They are so tiny yet quick on their feet! I find them utterly adorable." Echoing this sentiment, another person added, "I think they're cute".
"A decade ago, consuming dog meat was commonplace in China," – noted Hsin Ch’en from London's Metro, a pet store proprietor in Chengdu, Sichuan province.
He mentioned the shift in perspective, highlighting that dogs are now cherished companions. "Breeds like the French Bulldog and Labrador Retriever were once popular; however, now the dog panda holds people's affection," he stated earnestly, marking the rise of this "new breed" as an attraction in itself.
