Cuteness overdose! Chinese zoo paints Chow Chow dogs to pass them off as pandas

The world may have its share of issues with Chinese communist leaders who run the world's second-biggest economy. But everyone appears to love the incredibly adorable creatures that pandas are. Contemporary International Relations are filled with examples of Panda Diplomacy when Beijing deployed these cute animals to the countries of its choice as goodwill gestures in zoos for better people-to-people ties.

But now a Chinese zoo has simply coloured dogs anddubbed them'panda dogs'.

The Taizhou Zoo in Jiangsu province, located over 1,000 km south of Beijing, has become the centre of attention since May 1 with the introduction of two creatures dubbed "panda dogs".

These furry attractions, resembling giant pandas, have both delighted and perplexed visitors.

Videos circulating on the internet have stirred confusion among netizens, with some mistaking the panda dogs for actual pandas and others questioning whether "panda dog" is a legitimate breed. Despite their striking resemblance to giant pandas, some observers noted peculiar behaviour,such as head shaking.

Also watch |Heartwarming footage offers glimpses of bonds between Panda mom & cubs

According to local reports, the panda dogs are, in fact, Chow Chows meticulously groomed and dyed to mimic the appearance of their larger bamboo-munching counterparts. An information board at the enclosure clarifies that panda dogs are not a distinct breed but rather pet dogs subjected to grooming techniques or born with natural coat patterns resembling pandas.

The zoo's initiative has proven successful in drawing crowds, according to media reports.

But the revelation that the captivating creatures were dogs and not pandas has come as a surprise to many.

Some people online have raised concerns about the welfare of the dyed Chow Chows. In response, the Taizhou Zoo assured the public that the dyeing process is harmless.

(With inputs from agencies)