Zoo paints dogs to look like pandas – and visitors complain about them barking

Zoo visitors were stunned when they rushed to a new exhibit only to find the “pandas” panting and barking.
The guests, who had come to see “rare and exotic animals” in Shanwei, China, began to doubt that these were real pandas, leading to numerous complaints and refund requests.
However, the zoo defended itself, with officials stating that the animals were never actually referred to as “pandas,” but rather “panda dogs.”
An official revealed to local media that the animals in question were Chow Chows, a dog breed from Northern China, whose fur had been dyed to mimic the distinctive color of pandas, reports the Mirror US.
This isn’t the first time a zoo has come under fire for painting dogs to look like pandas. In May it was revealed Taizhou Zoo’s entire population of supposed pandas were actually Chow Chows.
“Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur,” claimed a representative from Taizhou Zoo. “We don’t have panda bears at our zoo and chose to do this as a result. Now there are crowds who want to see them, so you’ll need to line up.”
In November, the internet buzzed with skepticism when videos appeared online making some suspect that pandas aren’t real. A specific video, recorded on Saturday, November 25, at Chongqing Zoo, elicited curious comments about whether these pandas were actual animals or just humans in costumes.
A doubtful observer questioned, “Sure it isn’t someone in panda suits?” while another proclaimed, “This video just confirms my theory that pandas are actually humans in panda suits,” rejecting the idea of these being genuine animals.
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