A zoo in Taizhou, China, recently stirred up controversy with a bizarre stunt. The Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom dyed its Chow Chow dogs orange with black stripes. The aim was to create the illusion of tigers. Yet the result left many scratching their heads and expressing concern about the practice.

Hindustan Times reports that the video shared on Douyin, China’s TikTok, shows the dogs confined in small wooden pens. They sport an odd mix of canine and feline features, which the internet did not take lightly.

Photo: YouTube/Cobrapost

A Chinese zoo painted Chow Chows to look like tigers.  

The Zoo’s Defense

Officials at the zoo defended their actions. They stated that the dye used on the dogs was safe and professionally applied. “It was a native Chow Chow dyed into a ‘tiger dog’, not a tiger,” they explained to local media. This explanation was echoed across several reports. The New York Post quoted a zoo spokesperson who added, “People also dye their hair.” The argument suggests that, like hair dye for humans, the process for these dogs does no harm. Yet, many remain unconvinced by the comparison.

Photo: YouTube/Cobrapost

The stunt was designed to attract visitors.

Marketing Stunt or Animal Welfare Risk?

The practice has raised eyebrows not only for its deceptive nature but also for potential animal welfare risks. Critics argue that painting animals undermines genuine conservation efforts. The video on Douyin shows the dyed dogs pacing inside an enclosure far too small for a real tiger.

This stark mismatch between the animal’s natural behavior and the painted illusion has drawn ire from concerned pet owners and wildlife enthusiasts alike. As NDTV Offbeat reports, the stunt is seen as a misguided attempt to boost visitor numbers in the absence of real tigers.

A Recurring Theme of Deception

This incident is not isolated. The zoo has a history of similar antics. Last year, it painted Chow Chows to mimic pandas. At that time, visitors felt misled, and social media quickly compared the two events. News Karnataka reports how the zoo used dye and even trimmed fur to enhance the panda look. This repeated pattern suggests that the zoo relies on gimmicks to attract attention rather than investing in authentic animal exhibits.

Photo: YouTube/Cobrapost

Previous incidents involved painting dogs as pandas.

Visitor Experience Under Question

Visitors have expressed frustration. Many attended expecting a genuine animal encounter, only to find painted dogs prancing in an enclosure. The zoo promoted the attraction with bold claims such as “Our tigers are huge and very fierce!” during a Douyin livestream. However, when faced with the reality, some visitors demanded refunds and called for better ethical practices in animal presentation, the New York Post reports. The response has been overwhelmingly negative.

Future Risks And Discussion

This controversy highlights a growing debate about the use of animals in entertainment and promotion. While the zoo maintains that the dyes are harmless, critics worry about the broader implications for animal care and visitor trust.

As this trend continues, questions arise over the limits of creative marketing. Are such stunts acceptable if they boost visitor numbers, or do they risk crossing the line into animal exploitation? This debate seems likely to grow as more zoos look for ways to stand out.

The painted Chow Chows have sparked much more than a few laughs online. They have opened up a discussion about authenticity and the ethical treatment of animals in captivity. With every new gimmick, the pressure mounts on institutions to prioritize the well-being of the creatures in their care over the lure of increased attendance.

Click below to take action for animals.