Xiaomeisha Ocean World: A Controversial Aquarium Attraction
Visitors to the Xiaomeisha Ocean World in Shenzhen, Guangdong province were in for a surprise when they discovered that one of its top attractions, a whale shark, was actually a robot disguised as a real marine creature. The aquarium, which opened on Oct 1, faced backlash for various reasons, including high prices, long queues, and poor conditions for its marine life.
Controversy Surrounding the Mechanised Whale Shark
- Photos revealed joints in the robot’s body, exposing its artificial nature.
- Online reviews on Dazhong Dianping were flooded with negative comments about the fake whale shark.
- Many questioned the authenticity of the aquarium’s exhibits and expressed disappointment.
Response from Xiaomeisha Ocean World
In defense of their decision to feature a robot whale shark, the park stated that real whale sharks are not allowed to be traded and keeping one in captivity would be unethical. They claimed that the robot was meant to raise awareness about the species and promote ecological conservation.
The park’s sign introducing the robot shark emphasized its role in inspiring understanding of animals and environmental protection.
Past Controversies in Chinese Animal Parks
- In May, Taizhou Zoo dyed Chow Chow dogs to resemble pandas.
- A zoo in Shanwei admitted to the same deception in September.
- Last year, Hangzhou Zoo faced scrutiny for denying that a sun bear was a human in a costume.
Despite the backlash and controversies, Xiaomeisha Ocean World attracted over 100,000 visitors during a national holiday week in October.
Analysis and Impact
The controversy surrounding Xiaomeisha Ocean World’s robot whale shark raises important questions about the ethics of using artificial creatures in aquariums and zoos. While the park argues that the robot serves educational purposes, the public’s reaction highlights the need for transparency and authenticity in showcasing wildlife.
As consumers, it is crucial to be aware of how attractions like Xiaomeisha Ocean World present their exhibits. Understanding the implications of featuring fake animals can influence our decisions as visitors and advocates for animal welfare.
Ultimately, this incident prompts a larger conversation about the responsibility of entertainment venues to accurately represent wildlife and promote conservation efforts. By holding aquariums and zoos accountable for their practices, we can contribute to a more ethical and sustainable approach to showcasing marine life and wildlife in captivity.