First Pandas, Now Tigers: China Zoo Under Fire For Dyeing Two Chow Chows Orange & Black
Leave Chow Chows alone.
A zoo in Jiangsu, China, has drawn criticism for dyeing two Chow Chow dogs black and orange to make them look like tigers
On January 24, the Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom held a livestream on their Douyin account, unveiling two "tigers" pacing in their enclosure.
"I want to hear the roar of a tiger! Our tigers are very big and very fierce!" the zoo was quoted as saying by Red Star News.
Image via Hong Kong News
Image via @梅杰饿了 (Douyin)
However, online viewers quickly noticed the animals' un-tiger-like features, from their size and gait to the texture of their fur. Concerned netizens left comments like "Is this a tiger?" and "Is it bad for animals be dyed like this?"
Image via @泰州小妹 (Douyin)
The same Chow Chow dogs were dyed black and white months earlier to resemble pandas
According to Hong Kong News, the zoo introduced the canines as "panda dogs" in August 2024, complete with signage.
The zoo gave the two Chow Chows the nickname "Tigger", inspired by the cartoon character.
Image via Hong Kong News
The zoo admitted the fur dyeing was a gimmick to attract more tourists, reported Red Star News.
"Tigger" is the nickname of the two Chows Chows given by the zoo, in reference to the cartoon character.
Image via Hong Kong News
In response to concerns, zoo staff said the dogs were dyed with pet-friendly, plant-based dyes at a professional pet shop and were cared for by dedicated keepers
Image via @文文泰探吃 (Douyin)
The zoo also said that it primarily houses herbivores and is in the process of acquiring lions and black bears, having recently obtained the necessary permits.
They assured the public that, in addition to professional breeders, the park employs veterinarians to ensure the health of all animals. Despite these assurances, many remain sceptical and concerned about the ethics of dyeing animals for entertainment.
Veterinarians generally advise against dyeing pet fur, even with natural dyes. While the risk of immediate harm is low if the pet doesn't ingest the dye, long-term damage to the fur, skin, and follicles is possible, similar to the risks associated with dyeing human hair.
Image via @泰州小妹 (Douyin)
Meanwhile, another zoo in Taizhou also dyed two Chow Chows so they would look like pandas:
Stranger things have happened in the zoos in China:
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