In a move that has sparked widespread outrage and amusement, a zoo in Zibo City, Shandong province, China, has admitted to painting its donkeys with black and white stripes to mimic zebras. The controversial marketing strategy, aimed at boosting visitor numbers, has quickly gone viral on social media, drawing both humor and harsh criticism from online users.
The Unusual Marketing Gimmick
According to statements from park representatives, the idea was inspired by similar stunts at other zoos, such as painting dogs to resemble pandas. “It was all done as a fun way to attract more visitors,” said a zoo staff member. However, critics argue that altering an animal’s natural appearance for entertainment purposes is both misleading and unethical.
Photos and videos posted on platforms like Weibo and Douyin show the donkeys sporting uneven, almost haphazard stripes—comments online ranged from “misleading” to “looks like a piñata.” The zoo has defended its approach by emphasizing that the dye used is non-toxic and poses no health risks to the animals.
Ethical Concerns and Public Backlash
Animal rights activists have expressed significant concern over such practices. PETA, for instance, released a statement condemning the use of chemicals on animals, warning that even non-toxic dyes can cause stress or allergic reactions in some creatures. The debate has intensified discussions about animal welfare, particularly in roadside or amusement park zoos that may prioritize visitor numbers over ethical treatment.
Instances of similar practices have surfaced before, including a zoo in Cairo and another in Gaza, where animals were similarly altered to mimic more exotic species. These incidents underscore a broader trend of using animal modifications as a gimmick to attract crowds, raising questions about the long-term impact on animal health and public perception.
The Bigger Picture
While the painted donkeys might seem like a harmless publicity stunt, the case has highlighted the need for clearer guidelines and stricter regulations on altering animals for entertainment. As these practices gain attention, there is growing momentum among activists and animal welfare groups to ensure that animals are treated with respect and not reduced to mere marketing tools.
Despite the criticism, the zoo maintains that the practice has been a successful way to draw in visitors without compromising the animals’ health. For now, the painted donkeys continue to roam the park, serving as a bizarre reminder of just how far some establishments will go for a boost in ticket sales.
