this post was submitted on 09 May 2024
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And Finally...

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On May 1, the zoo drew large crowds of excited animal lovers as it prepared to unveil a new attraction.

When the zoo revealed the animals, visitors were met with the sight of little four-legged creatures, with white faces and black spots around their eyes and ears - not unlike the colorings of a panda.

The only thing is, these creatures weren't pandas. In fact, they were Chow Chows - a dog you might recognize from real life or social media, since they're very much the opposite of a wild animal.

The spitz-type dogs originally come from northern China, and were presented at the zoo because the owners said they didn't have any actual pandas to show visitors.

The owners were accused of trimming and dying the dogs to look like pandas, causing some backlash as locals accused the zoo of animal cruelty.

However, a spokesperson for the zoo hit back at the criticism as they pointed out that 'people also dye their hair'.

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[–] [email protected] 68 points 10 months ago (2 children)
[–] [email protected] 28 points 10 months ago (1 children)

They're such majestic creatures.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 10 months ago

Ah yes the rare and beautiful North African meat eating lizard pandas...

[–] [email protected] 12 points 10 months ago

am panda....come give bamboo lol

[–] [email protected] 31 points 10 months ago

Honestly? I'd kinda be down for this in a different context. This is hilarious and I'm sure that dogs can handle a zoo environment better than pandas. Obviously, don't try to pass them off as the real thing

[–] [email protected] 18 points 10 months ago

Who's a good panda?

[–] [email protected] 17 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

As long as ethical and natural dyes are used- and as another commenter pointed out dogs are probably more suited/relaxed for a zoo environment than most zoo animals - I personally think it's fine.
Its not like they are gonna be dyed and on display indefinitely. And I assume visitors werent charged extra or under the impression they would expect real pandas at this mystery display

[–] [email protected] 9 points 10 months ago

You say they’re Chow Chows. I say it’s a Shih Tzu 🥁

[–] [email protected] 8 points 10 months ago

It's a zoo in China

[–] [email protected] 5 points 10 months ago