Chinese Zoo Prohibits Visitors from Showing Videos to Baby Chimp

A zoo in eastern China has taken the unusual step of banning visitors from showing reels and short videos to a baby chimpanzee named Ding Ding. The decision, made by the Shanghai Wildlife Park, is aimed at protecting the two-year-old chimp’s eyesight and mental wellbeing. Ding Ding has gained significant popularity on social media, with clips showcasing its playful, human-like behavior going viral.

Viral videos depict Ding Ding engaging in various charming activities, such as sipping milk while seated cross-legged and shyly clinging to its keepers. One particularly concerning behavior was its habit of watching videos through the glass of its enclosure, which prompted the zoo to intervene.

Zoo Implements Video Ban for Animal Welfare

In September 2023, the Shanghai Wildlife Park posted a notice outside Ding Ding’s enclosure prohibiting visitors from displaying their phones. The sign features a sketch of the young chimp alongside a crossed-out phone, emphasizing the potential harm of excessive screen time. Zoo staff have expressed concern that if Ding Ding experiences vision problems, it may lead to anxiety and related health issues. A spokesperson for the zoo stated, “If a chimpanzee cannot see clearly and cannot communicate with humans, it may become anxious, leading to health problems,” as reported by the South China Morning Post.

The ban has been met with a mix of amusement and support across Chinese social media platforms. One viral clip from Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, showed a visitor holding her phone against the enclosure glass while music played, capturing Ding Ding’s captivated gaze as it occasionally scratched its face. Some visitors noted that the chimp appeared particularly interested in humorous clips and short dramas.

Responses from users have varied, with one commenting, “Please respect the animals’ natural way of life,” while another humorously suggested, “My son is just as addicted to phone videos as Ding Ding; maybe the zoo should take him too.” Although the zoo has not established penalties for those who violate the rule, staff have urged visitors to comply, highlighting that unlike humans, Ding Ding “cannot wear glasses.”

Previous Controversies in Chinese Zoos

This is not the first instance of a Chinese zoo attracting attention for its visitor policies. Earlier in 2023, the Liaoning Zoo issued warnings after guests were caught pulling fur from a tiger in a semi-open enclosure for “good luck.” In a separate incident, the Qinhu Bay Forest Animal Kingdom faced backlash for painting dogs to resemble tigers, further highlighting the ongoing debate about animal welfare in captivity.

As social media continues to play a significant role in shaping public perception of wildlife and zoos, the Shanghai Wildlife Park’s ban reflects a growing awareness of animal rights and health. The attention surrounding Ding Ding not only underscores the charm of young primates but also raises important questions about the interaction between visitors and animals in captive environments.