Chinese zoo dyes dogs to look like baby pandas

A zoo in China is going viral for disguising dogs as baby pandas.

The Taizhou Zoo in Northern China opened a new exhibit with several Chow Chow dogs that had been given a black and white makeover.

The dog breed — which is originally from the area — is known for its fluffy appearance and dense double coat.

The dogs, advertised by the zoo as "panda dogs" evidently came about because the zoo doesn't have any actual pandas to showcase.

According to Chinese state media, the zoo confirmed it dyed the dogs to look like pandas in order to "fill in the blank" of not having any pandas.

A worker also told the outlet that the visitors are not being misled and that the exhibit "describes" the dogs exactly as they are.

A spokesperson for the zoo said the dogs are not being harmed and that the they use non-toxic dye on them.

“People also dye their hair... Natural dye can be used on dogs if they have long fur," a spokesperson for the zoo told media.