Zoo's inventive panda impersonators: Dogs dyed to delight
Staff at the Taizhou Zoo in China went to great lengths to include pandas in their exhibit. To achieve this, they creatively modified the appearance of two dogs, shaping their fur and dyeing it black. "There are no panda bears at the zoo and we wanted to do this as a result," a zoo representative told the "New York Post," shedding light on the situation that has sparked widespread discussion.
The "New York Post" reported that the Taizhou Zoo showcased these unusual animals on May 1st. What were initially thought to be pandas turned out to be Chow Chow dogs, chosen for their thick, fluffy coats and distinctive looks.
Zoo officials chose this unique approach for a specific reason. The issue was the size of the available enclosure, which was too small to house actual pandas. When asked about their decision to introduce dog pandas, the representative explained that the absence of real pandas was their main motivation for this initiative.
"Dog pandas" become a sensation at the Chinese zoo
Eager to have pandas, the zoo staff meticulously groomed the dogs’ fur and dyed their muzzles black. This transformation made them strikingly resemble the beloved bamboo-eating bears of China.
The "New York Post" reports that from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Eastern Time, they exhibit what are referred to as dog pandas, which attract large audiences.
The zoo has been criticized for altering the dogs' appearances, sparking a debate. In response to the backlash, a spokesperson sought to mitigate concerns by noting that "people also dye their hair," highlighting that "natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur."
Charming "dog pandas" win hearts in China
The disguised dogs quickly won over zoo visitors and became social media hits. Admirers expressed their delight online.
One user commented, "It's amazing how they can be so small yet fast! I find them utterly adorable." Another echoed this sentiment: "I think they’re cute."
"Ten years ago the natural instinct of a Chinese person was to eat a dog," Hsin Ch’en, a pet store owner in Chengdu, Sichuan province, told London's Metro newspaper. Ch'en observed a notable shift in perception, stating, "Now we are like Westerners and want one as a companion. The cute breeds like French bulldogs and labradors were the favorites, but now it is the panda dog."
He emphasized the transformation in public sentiment towards dogs, propelling the "dog pandas" into the spotlight as a unique attraction.
