Chinese Zoo Criticized for Painting Donkeys as Zebras

A zoo in Zibo City, Shandong Province, China, admitted to painting donkeys with black and white stripes to resemble zebras, a tactic intended to increase visitor numbers but met with significant backlash. The park, which faced criticism on social media for misleading visitors and unethical treatment of animals, defended the act as a marketing strategy and assured that the dye used was non-toxic. This incident follows a similar controversy where another Chinese zoo painted dogs to look like tigers, sparking broader discussions about animal ethics and calls for stricter regulations to prevent such practices. Despite the park's assurances, the stunt drew widespread ridicule online, with users mocking the poor execution of the paint job. Critics have emphasized the unfairness towards both animals and visitors, highlighting the need for transparency in consumer attractions. The incident has fueled ongoing debates about the ethical considerations of altering animals’ appearances for entertainment purposes.