Chinese Zoo Admits 'Pandas' Are Painted Dogs After Visitor Outrage

Shanwei Zoo in Guangdong Province confirms that its star panda attraction is actually Chow Chow dogs dyed to look like pandas, following viral social media backlash.

Visitors at Shanwei Zoo realized the deception when the supposed pandas started barking and panting.
The zoo initially claimed the animals were a rare breed called 'panda dogs' before admitting they had painted Chow Chows.
The revelation sparked public outrage and demands for refunds from duped visitors.
This incident follows a similar controversy at Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu Province, where Chow Chows were also painted as pandas.
Zoo officials defended the practice, stating that dyeing the dogs was not harmful and likened it to humans dyeing their hair.