A Chinese zoo is facing serious backlash after shocking footage of an overweight panther went viral online, sparking concerns about animal welfare and the conditions at the zoo.
The panther, with its sleek black coat and powerful presence, is one of nature’s most majestic creatures. Known for its grace, strength, and stealth, the panther embodies the beauty of the wild.
Unfortunately, what should be a celebration of the panther’s magnificence is now overshadowed by concerns for its well-being. Recently, a video from a zoo in China revealed a distressing sight: a panther struggling with obesity, a condition that has sparked outrage among animal lovers.
The video, which was filmed at the Chengdu Zoo in Sichuan Province, shows a large black panther who seems far from being well.
The panther’s oversized stomach hangs low to the ground as it waddles slowly, clearly struggling to walk. It tries to hide behind a tree, but its size makes it hard to miss. Viewers were left stunned by the animal’s unhealthy appearance, with many calling for immediate action.
Zoo officials later explained that the panther is 16 years old and has health problems. They stated her metabolism isn’t functioning properly, but many animal lovers believe her excessive weight is a result of being overfed. Social media is filled with outrage, with users calling for better treatment of zoo animals.
One user wrote, “I thought it was a hippo without my glasses. Please do something!” Another commented, “No exercise, I think. Eat and sleep, always.” Others were equally upset, saying the zoo must not have a nutritionist on staff or that the animal needs a larger space to run and regain its health.
In response to the criticism, the zoo said they will reduce the amount of food given to the panther, including cutting back on beef and other foods. However, many remain skeptical about whether this will be enough to help her.
Sadly, this isn’t the first time Chinese zoos have faced backlash. Recently, another zoo was slammed for painting donkeys to look like zebras, and a zoo in Jiangsu Province painted dogs to look like tiger cubs. These kinds of incidents have raised concerns that some Chinese zoos may be prioritizing gimmicks to attract visitors over the well-being of the animals they house.
As more and more people speak out about the mistreatment of animals in these facilities, it’s clear that something needs to change. Let’s hope the outrage over this poor panther’s condition will lead to better practices for all animals in zoos.
