MK sports Korea East China's Shandong Province, dresses a donkey as a zebra to attract visitors. Photo: Screenshot from Sina Weibo" src="https://www.globaltimes.cn/Portals/0/attachment/2025/2025-02-14/0d741df8-0954-4ccb-aa37-8c9444f06051.jpeg" />

A theme park in Zibo, East China's Shandong Province, dresses a donkey as a zebra to attract visitors. Photo: Screenshot from Sina Weibo

Recently, videos posted by netizens claimed that an amusement park in Zibo, East China's Shandong Province, was disguising a donkey as a zebra, sparking widespread discussion. In response, park staff confirmed that the "zebra" was indeed a donkey, and the move was intended to attract tourists.

On a popular short video platform, an account repeatedly posted videos claiming that a zebra had been introduced to an amusement park in Zibo. However, as reported by CCTV News, the "zebra" in the videos closely resembled a donkey, with its stripes showing clear signs of being artificially applied.

The videos quickly went viral, sparking widespread discussion. Some netizens pointed out that the "zebra" looked more like a donkey, with stripes that appeared to be either taped on or dyed.

A staff member from the park confirmed that, after checking with management, the so-called zebra was indeed a donkey, with a sign clearly indicating that it was a donkey. "The owner did it just for fun," the staff member said.

The staff member noted that a local zoo had previously gained attention by dressing a dog as a panda, and this was an attempt to replicate that promotional strategy. 

Despite the video's popularity, the actual number of visitors to the park remained low, the staff noted.

Some netizens questioned whether the act was deceptive for visitors expecting to see a real zebra. A lawyer told Fengmian News that while this method attracts public attention and engages consumers, it serves as a unique marketing strategy. "As long as there are clear indications, it does not constitute consumer fraud," the lawyer explained.

Global Times-CCTV News