China Zoo Criticized for Dressing Baby Monkey as a Human

A zoo in Qinyang, Henan Province, China, called Heshing Forest Zoo, has recently come under fire for dressing a baby chimpanzee in human-like clothing and braiding. Its hair to attract public attention. This eight-month-old chimp, named Chi Shi, was born and raised in the zoo. She has been dubbed an ‘online celebrity’ as videos of her wearing doll-like outfits and sitting in swings have rapidly gone viral on social media.

Visitors to the zoo often pick her up, take pictures with her, and occasionally even shake her hand. The zoo staff claims that these actions aim to make Chi Shi look “beautiful” and to protect her from the cold. They assert that visitors are required to use disinfectant before touching the chimpanzee and that Chi Shi is regularly bathed.

World Animal Protection China

However, this approach has drawn strong criticism from animal rights organizations like World Animal Protection China. Expert Sun Kuanhui warned that such practices could interfere with the animal’s natural ability to regulate its body temperature. According to Sun, chimpanzees are social animals that naturally live in groups, and isolation can harm their mental health.

Sun further stated, “Zoos have a responsibility to respect animals’ natural instincts and provide an environment that mimics their natural habitat. Dressing animals like human children and repeatedly facilitating human contact can be detrimental and sends the message that animals are just for entertainment.”

social media Criticize

While some social media users have expressed joy over Chi Shi’s cuteness and praised the zoo for its care, many others agree that the mental health of the animal must not be overlooked. Critics argue that such treatment objectifies the chimp and fails to respect its needs as a wild animal.

This controversy raises important questions about the ethics of displaying animals in zoos and the responsibilities of zoos to ensure the well-being of their inhabitants. Many animal rights advocates argue that animals should not be treated as mere attractions, but as sentient beings that require respect and a proper living environment.

In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of animal rights and the welfare of creatures in captivity. Supporters of these movements believe that it is essential to educate the public about the emotional and physical needs of animals like Chi Shi. They call for a reevaluation of practices that prioritize entertainment over the health and happiness of animals.

The case of Chi Shi has sparked a broader conversation about how we view and treat animals in captivity, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding of their natural behaviors and environments. As this discussion continues, hopefully, it will lead to better standards of care for all animals in zoos worldwide.