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Chinese Zoo Faces Backlash for Dyeing Dogs to Resemble Tigers in Deceptive Marketing Stunt

The zoo’s management admitted to the practice, claiming the dyes were safe and the intention was to provide a unique visitor experience due to the absence of actual tigers

A Chinese zoo, the Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom in Taizhou, has faced significant backlash for allegedly dyeing Chow Chow dogs to resemble tigers.

This follows a previous incident where the same zoo dyed dogs black and white to mimic pandas, an idea inspired by internet trends to boost visitor numbers.

This controversy erupted after a video went viral on Douyin, showing a puppy with black and orange stripes playing in an enclosure, which led many viewers to quickly identify the deception.

The zoo had promoted itself on Douyin, claiming, “Our tigers are huge and very fierce!” However, upon scrutiny, it was revealed that the animals were not tigers but rather Chow Chows dyed as part of a promotional gimmick.

However, the zoo reportedly later confirmed this to local media, stating that the dye used was harmless and professionally applied.

The zoo’s management maintained that the intention was to provide a unique visitor experience due to the absence of actual tigers.

Social media users reacted with outrage, drawing comparisons to a previous incident where the same zoo had dyed dogs to appear as pandas.

Comments included scepticism about the zoo’s practices and concerns over animal welfare. One user humorously noted, “They definitely don’t dare to bathe their dogs for fear of discolouration,” while others criticized the zoo for its misleading marketing tactics.

This incident has reignited discussions about the ethical treatment of animals in zoos, with animal rights activists condemning such practices as exploitative and harmful. Critics argue that using animals for entertainment in this manner is unethical, regardless of the safety claims made by the zoo.

 

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