A zoo in China is stirring up quite the buzz after it revealed a quirky new exhibit featuring dogs that have been transformed to resemble pandas.
Typically, a trip to the zoo is all about encountering the extraordinary – animals that are rarely spotted in everyday settings or those that roam the remote wilderness.
But at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, visitors are lining up to see a familiar creature given a wildly exotic makeover.
On a bustling May 1, the zoo attracted a large crowd eager to check out its latest addition.
As the curtain dropped, guests were greeted by small, fluffy animals sporting stark white faces with distinctive black patches around their eyes and ears, mimicking the iconic panda appearance.
But these weren’t exotic pandas; they were actually Chow Chows, a breed of dog known more for its presence on social media than in the wild.
Hailing from northern China, the dogs were showcased because the zoo lacked real pandas to exhibit.
However, the decision to alter the dogs’ appearance through trimming and dyeing sparked some controversy, with allegations of animal cruelty surfacing among the public.
In response, a zoo spokesperson defended the choice, remarking that ‘people also dye their hair’.
Despite the backlash, the zoo noted that crowds continued to visit, eager to see these panda-like pups.
“Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur,” assured the spokesperson.
“Since we don’t have real pandas, we thought this would be a fun alternative. The turnout has been fantastic; people really seem to enjoy it and there’s quite a queue each day to see them,” they added.
“You can see them from between 8.30am and 5.00pm.”
The unusual exhibit has certainly sparked a variety of reactions online. One person commented on the Chow Chows’ adorable new look, calling them ‘cute’.
Another humorously noted: “Well that’s an extreme way to get your dogs cared for while you’re at work lol.”
Yet, not everyone is amused, with one detractor condemning the practice: “Cruel to do this to dogs.”
According to local media outlet What’s The Jam, a pet beautician confirmed that natural dyes are generally safe for pets, but cautioned against using any products that contain harsh chemicals.