Zoogoers outraged to discover ‘panda’ exhibit was actually dogs dyed black and white
Even the Middle Kingdom’s beloved mascot isn't safe from Chinese counterfeiters.
A zoo in China stirred up panda-monium when they dressed dogs as pandas due to lacking the real deal, as seen in viral photos.
The faux pandas, revealed on May 1 at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, were actually Chow Chow dogs – a furry breed from Northern China, according to Jam Press. Zoo staff reportedly trimmed their fur and dyed their faces black to mimic China’s iconic bamboo-munching bear.
The "panda dogs" were then put on display in an enclosure daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., drawing crowds despite the clear panda deception, according to zoo personnel.
When questioned about the canine panda cosplay, a spokesperson explained, “We don't have panda bears at the zoo, so we came up with this idea.”
While some visitors accused the zoo of animal cruelty, officials insist that the doggy transformation isn't harmful. “People also dye their hair,” the spokesperson rationalized. “Natural dye can be used on dogs with long fur.”
Many social media users found the panda-dogs charming, with one fan commenting, “They're too adorable! They look so cute!”
Another said, “They're precious.”
A third joked, “Well, that’s one way to pamper your dogs while you're at work lol.”
This trend of giving dogs panda makeovers isn’t new. A decade ago, dogs dressed as pandas became trendy, causing a surge in demand at pet stores. “Ten years ago, the natural instinct of a Chinese person was to eat a dog,” said Hsin Ch’en, a pet shop owner in Chengdu, Sichuan. “Now we see them as companions. The cute breeds like French bulldogs and labradors were favorites, but now it’s the panda dog.”
