What's happened
Visitors at a Chinese zoo were shocked to discover that the supposed pandas were actually painted dogs. The zoo claimed the animals were 'panda dogs,' leading to demands for refunds after the deception was revealed. This incident follows a similar case from another zoo in China earlier this year.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Metro, visitors at the Shanwei Zoo were quick to realize the deception when the so-called pandas began barking. One visitor humorously noted, 'It’s a PANdog,' highlighting the absurdity of the situation. The Independent reported that the zoo initially claimed the animals were a rare breed of 'panda dogs' before admitting they were painted Chow Chows. This isn't the first instance of such deception; another zoo in Jiangsu Province faced similar criticism earlier this year for dyeing dogs to resemble pandas. The public reaction has been overwhelmingly negative, with many calling for accountability and better treatment of animals in captivity.
How we got here
The incident occurred at Shanwei Zoo in China, where visitors noticed unusual behavior from the animals labeled as pandas. Footage revealed that the animals were actually Chow Chows, dyed to resemble pandas, prompting public outcry and demands for refunds.
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