Zoo in China dyes dogs to look like pandas in new exhibit

A zoo in China was accused of attempting to deceive visitors, forcing it to defend a strange “panda” exhibit.

A zoo in China has dyed chow chow puppies and called them “panda dogs” for a new exhibit — sparking accusations of misleading customers.

Videos showing the unusual-looking fluffy animals playing in the exhibit this month at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province have gone viral on social media.

The zoo was accused of misleading visitors in China, forcing it to defend the strange act.

“This is just a new display we offer to visitors. We are not charging extra. The wording featuring Chow Chow dogs is correct and exactly describes what they are, so we are not cheating our visitors,” a zoo employee said, according to state-owned newspaper Global Times.

The zoo does not have any real pandas.

The chow chow is a dog breed that originated in China.

Responding to criticism it was cruel to dye the dogs to lure in tourists, Jam Press, citing Qilu Evening News, reported a zoo spokesperson claimed “people also dye their hair”.

“Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur,” they said.

The chow chow puppies were dyed to look like pandas. Pictures: Jam Press

It comes less than a year after a different Chinese zoo was forced to deny its sun bear was a human in a bear costume after videos of it standing on its hind legs and waving to the crowd took the world by storm.

“If a person did wear a bear costume, they would be lying down within minutes due to the heat,” a Hangzhou Zoo spokesman said.

Logan Dudley, a keeper in charge of a sun bear at Taronga Zoo, said its baggy skin and ability to stand on its hind legs are traits shared among the species.

“The saggy, rolly skin could look like a poorly fitting costume, but it’s an adaptation sun bears have,” she explained.

“Flexible saggy skin helps to protect them from predation in the wild.”