Overview

• The Zibo City amusement park in Shandong Province painted donkeys with black and white stripes to make them appear as zebras, aiming to attract more visitors.
• Zoo representatives confirmed the use of non-toxic dye and described the act as a lighthearted marketing strategy by the park's owner.
• Social media users and animal rights advocates condemned the practice, calling it misleading, unethical, and unfair to both animals and visitors.
• This incident follows similar controversies in China, including a zoo dyeing Chow Chow dogs to resemble tigers and another passing off dogs as pandas.
• Critics are urging stricter regulations to prevent zoos from using deceptive tactics that prioritize profits over animal welfare.