Taizhou Zoo Criticised for Painting Chow Chow Dogs to Look Like Tigers

A Chinese zoo in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, has sparked outrage after it was caught Painting Chow Chow Dogs to Look Like Tigers. The Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom faced severe criticism after a video shared on Douyin, the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, went viral.

The clip showed a small dog painted with black and orange stripes, which the zoo initially tried to pass off as a tiger. In a live stream on Douyin, the zoo boasted about its so-called “huge and fierce tigers,” but viewers quickly noticed the deception.

The Controversial Incident

The incident led to an online uproar, with users slamming the zoo for its misleading tactics. Social media users called out the zoo, stating that the “tigers” were clearly dogs, leading to demands for transparency.

Under pressure, the Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom admitted that the supposed tiger was actually a dyed Chow Chow, which they described as a “tiger dog.” The zoo justified the act by claiming it was merely a marketing gimmick and that professional dyes were used to ensure no harm came to the animals.

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However, the public was not convinced by these explanations. Many netizens pointed out that the zoo had a history of such deceptive tactics.

On January 24, 2025, at the "Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom" in Taizhou, Jiangsu Province, China, the park promoted itself on a Douyin livestream, claiming: "Our tigers are huge and very fierce!" pic.twitter.com/LFoGUm0fWc

— ( ͡ ͡° ͜ ʖ ͡ ͡°) (@eseLSMN) January 27, 2025

The controversy quickly escalated, with people accusing the zoo of unethical practices, misleading visitors, and potentially harming animals. The issue of zoos using artificial means to attract visitors has become a growing concern, especially in China, where similar incidents have been reported in the past.

Social Media Backlash and Previous Incidents

As soon as the video went viral, social media platforms were flooded with criticism. Many users mocked the zoo, questioning how they thought people wouldn’t notice the difference between a dog and a tiger.

Some joked about the possibility of the zoo avoiding bathing the dogs to maintain the painted fur, while others recalled past incidents of similar deceit.

One user noted that this wasn’t the first time a Chinese zoo had tried to disguise animals. A few years ago, a zoo attempted to pass off a dog as a panda by painting it black and white.

That case also resulted in backlash, with visitors demanding refunds upon discovering the fraud. Another user commented, “If it didn’t work with a panda, why did they think it would work with a tiger?”

Further reports revealed that the same Taizhou Zoo had previously painted two dogs to look like pandas. Those dogs were put on display from morning to evening, attracting visitors who initially believed they were real pandas.

Once the deception was exposed, the zoo defended its actions by claiming that there were no real pandas at the facility, so they decided to use a creative alternative. The zoo even compared dyeing animals to people dyeing their hair, arguing that as long as safe, natural dyes were used, there was no issue.

Despite these justifications, animal rights activists and the general public remained unconvinced. The ethical concerns surrounding such practices include the stress caused to the animals, the use of potentially harmful dyes, and the broader issue of misleading the public. Critics argue that zoos should focus on genuine conservation efforts rather than resorting to dishonest marketing ploys.

The Ethics of Animal Treatment in Zoos

The Taizhou Zoo scandal raises important ethical questions about the treatment of animals in zoos. While some facilities genuinely focus on conservation and education, others seem more interested in attracting visitors by any means necessary.

The practice of painting animals is not only deceptive but could also pose risks to the animals’ well-being. Even if the dyes used are claimed to be safe, repeated exposure to chemicals could cause skin irritation or other health issues.

Moreover, keeping dogs painted for extended periods without regular washing suggests a level of neglect. Animals rely on proper grooming and hygiene for their health, and altering their natural state for the sake of human entertainment is widely considered unethical. The stress of being paraded in front of crowds while disguised as another species can also have psychological effects on the animals.

The outrage surrounding the incident highlights a growing awareness of animal rights. Many argue that such actions undermine the true purpose of zoos, which should be about education, conservation, and responsible animal care. The demand for stricter regulations on animal treatment in zoos is increasing, as more people become aware of unethical practices.

In light of the controversy, experts suggest that zoos should focus on ethical engagement strategies. Instead of resorting to painting animals, they could invest in better facilities, informative exhibits, and genuine wildlife preservation efforts. Visitors are more likely to support zoos that prioritize animal welfare over cheap gimmicks.

The Taizhou Zoo incident serves as a reminder of the responsibility that comes with operating a zoo. While attracting visitors is important for funding and maintenance, it should never come at the expense of honesty and ethical animal treatment.

The backlash faced by the zoo is a testament to the changing attitudes toward animal welfare, with more people demanding accountability from such institutions.