Lately, videos uploaded by netizens asserted that an amusement park in Zibo, Shandong Province in East China, was passing off a donkey as a zebra, which triggered extensive discussion. In reply, the park staff verified that the “zebra” was in fact a donkey, and this action was aimed at luring tourists.
On a well – known short – video platform, an account continuously posted videos stating that a zebra had been introduced to an amusement park in Zibo. Nevertheless, as reported by CCTV News, the “zebra” in the videos bore a strong resemblance to a donkey, and its stripes evidently showed signs of being man – made.
The videos spread like wildfire and incited widespread debate. Some netizens pointed out that the “zebra” looked more like a donkey, and the stripes seemed to be either taped on or dyed.
A staff member of the park, after checking with the management, confirmed that the so – called zebra was indeed a donkey, and there was a clear sign indicating it was a donkey. “The owner did this just for amusement,” the staff member said.
The staff member mentioned that a local zoo had previously drawn attention by dressing a dog as a panda, and this was an effort to copy that promotional approach.
Although the video became very popular, the actual number of park visitors remained low, the staff noted.
Some netizens queried whether this act was misleading to visitors who expected to see a real zebra. A lawyer told Fengmian News that although this method attracts public attention and involves consumers, it serves as a unique marketing tactic. “As long as there are clear indications, it does not amount to consumer fraud,” the lawyer elaborated.
