(C) Shanghai Daily

PUYANG, China — A private zoo in central China’s Henan Province is facing severe public backlash and government sanctions after it was revealed that the facility had been using old footage of a deceased tiger cub to trick online viewers into sending donations.

The controversy centers on Puyang Central Zoo, where a popular Siberian tiger cub named "Nuannuan" had become a viral sensation. However, a series of investigations by local authorities and keen-eyed netizens has exposed a grim reality: Nuannuan died some time ago from a highly contagious disease, yet the zoo continued to profit from its "ghost" image.

The Deception Unveiled
The scheme was first brought to light by an observant follower of the zoo’s live streams. The user noticed that the footage being broadcast by zookeeper Zhang Lina appeared repetitive or featured different tiger cubs altogether, despite being labeled as a "live" feed of Nuannuan.

Following an official probe on March 10, it was confirmed that Nuannuan had succumbed to feline distemper (feline panleukopenia)—a viral infection caused by parvovirus that is often fatal to young felids. Rather than disclosing the cub's death, the zoo chose to hide the truth and continue its fundraising activities.

Monetizing Sympathy
While the zoo charges a modest entrance fee of 20 yuan ($2.80) for adults, its primary revenue stream shifted to digital platforms. Zhang Lina, who commands a following of approximately 2.7 million on Douyin (the Chinese version of TikTok), frequently requested donations through "virtual feedings."

In her broadcasts, Zhang claimed that the zoo housed over 20 tigers and that 25 yuan could provide a chicken for a cub, while the daily upkeep for a single tiger reached 200 yuan. By appealing to the emotions of animal lovers, the zoo managed to secure consistent financial support. One donor reportedly contributed as much as 2,600 yuan ($360) per month specifically for the care of the tigers.

Conflicting Excuses and Accountability
In the wake of the scandal, Zhang Lina denied any malicious intent to defraud the public. She argued that the decision to conceal Nuannuan's death was made to "spare the viewers' feelings." Zhang further pointed the finger at the zoo’s director, Wu Shuling, claiming the director suggested naming another cub "Nuannuan" to maintain the illusion and provide "comfort" to the fans.

Zhang also claimed she had informed her top donors of the cub's passing privately, asserting that they had consented to her using the remaining funds for other animals. However, she eventually issued a public apology for misrepresenting the tiger’s status during the live broadcasts.

Government Action and Future Outlook
The local authorities have taken swift action, ordering the immediate suspension of the zoo’s operations. Administrative penalties are currently being processed against the management and those responsible for the deceptive broadcasts.

The zoo has since promised to release footage of the treatment process Nuannuan underwent before its death and provide a transparent breakdown of how the donated funds were utilized. Nevertheless, the incident has sparked a wider debate regarding the lack of transparency in private wildlife facilities and the ethical boundaries of "pet-streaming" for profit.

[Copyright (c) Global Economic Times. All Rights Reserved.]