China Zoo Bans Visitors From Showing Videos to Chimp Over Health Issues: Reports
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NEED TO KNOW
- Shanghai Wildlife Park has reportedly banned visitors from showing videos to zoo resident chimpanzee, Ding Ding
- Ding Ding became a viral sensation on social media after being filmed watching and engaging with videos that park visitors played on their phones
- The new warning comes amid health concerns over the chimp’s eyesight, according to reports
A zoo in China has banned its visitors from showing videos to a chimpanzee amid health concerns, according to reports.
Ding Ding, a two-year-old chimpanzee at Shanghai Wildlife Park, is popular among many visitors to the park after appearing in viral videos where he watches short clips played by parkgoers on their phones.
The park, however, is now urging people not to show videos to Ding Ding over concerns it could damage the primate’s eyesight, according to the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
In September, the zoo put up a notice outside the chimp’s enclosure displaying an illustration of a chimp watching a video on a phone with his hands held out and the word “NO” written in block red letters, per the outlet.
PEOPLE has reached out to Shanghai Wildlife Park for comment.
The park’s staff is concerned that Ding Ding is being exposed to too much screen time, which could lead to permanent eye damage. “If a chimpanzee cannot see clearly and cannot communicate with humans, it may become anxious, leading to health problems,” a zooworker told SCMP.
The warning has gone viral on social media, with fans of Ding Ding sharing their reactions to the new rule, according to the outlet.
“Please respect the animals’ natural way of life,” one person wrote. “My son is just as addicted to phone videos as Ding Ding – maybe the zoo should take him too,” a second person joked.
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The zoo pointed out that Ding Ding can’t wear glasses to prevent the issue and is therefore dependent on visitors following the new rule, per SCMP.
Ding Ding remains a favorite among many at the park, following his viral interactions. He’s also appeared in videos posted on social media at the zoo, sipping milk while sitting cross-legged and stealing lotus flowers to the delight of visitors, per News18.
Credit to Nypost AND Peoples
