A zoo in China is facing backlash after visitors discovered that its supposed zebras were, in fact, donkeys painted with black and white stripes.

The Zibo City amusement park in Shandong province admitted to using dye on the animals, insisting it was non-toxic, but the revelation has triggered widespread criticism over animal welfare and deceptive marketing tactics, NDTV reports.

Photo: YouTube/The Daily Guardian

A Chinese zoo has been exposed for painting donkeys to resemble zebras.

A Pattern of Deception

The incident is just the latest in a string of similar cases. Chinese zoos have been caught before using artificial means to pass off animals as more exotic species. In 2024, a zoo in Guangdong province attempted to convince visitors that its “pandas” were actually Chow Chow dogs dyed in black and white, People reports. The year before, a Taizhou zoo in Jiangsu province promoted Chow Chows as panda dogs, drawing criticism but also attracting large crowds.

This strategy isn't limited to China. In 2018, a zoo in Cairo, Egypt, painted donkeys to resemble zebras, a move that was quickly exposed by skeptical visitors, The Travel notes.

Photo: YouTube/The Daily Guardian

The zoo admitted to using dye but defended it as a marketing gimmick. 

Why Fake It?

Zoos around the world rely on star attractions to boost attendance. In countries where acquiring exotic animals is expensive or heavily regulated, some facilities resort to dubious methods to create crowd-pulling exhibits. In the case of Zibo City amusement park, a staff member claimed that the painted donkey stunt was meant to be a fun marketing gimmick rather than an attempt at fraud, NDTV reports.

Critics, however, argue that such practices mislead visitors and exploit the animals involved. Painting a donkey does not transform it into a zebra, and the deception undermines the credibility of zoological institutions. It also raises concerns about whether such zoos are cutting corners in other aspects of animal care.

Photo: YouTube/The Daily Guardian

Social media users ridiculed the poor attempt at faking zebras.

Animal Welfare Concerns

While the zoo insists that the dye used was non-toxic, animal rights organizations have repeatedly condemned the practice of painting animals. PETA has warned that applying chemicals to animals’ fur can cause stress, allergic reactions, and skin irritation, according to The Travel.

Beyond the physical effects, the psychological impact on animals is also a concern. Donkeys, like many species, rely on their natural coats for communication, camouflage, and thermoregulation. Altering their appearance may disrupt their ability to interact naturally with other animals.

Photo: YouTube/The Daily Guardian

Critics argue the stunt is misleading, unethical, and harmful to the animals.

Calls for Stricter Regulations

Following the Zibo City amusement park incident, calls for tighter oversight on zoos have intensified. Many argue that such deceptive practices highlight a broader issue: the need for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and higher ethical standards in wildlife tourism.

While some social media users have ridiculed the zoo for its unconvincing attempt to disguise a donkey, others see a more serious problem. If a zoo is willing to misrepresent its animals, what does that say about its commitment to their well-being? “It’s unfair to both the animals and the visitors,” one Chinese social media user commented The Sun reports.

A Bigger Issue at Hand

For now, Zibo City amusement park finds itself at the center of controversy. Whether this backlash will lead to real changes in how such zoos operate remains to be seen.

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