On January 5, 2025, a man visiting the Chongqing Zoo in China sparked widespread outrage after he threw a full bottle of Coca-Cola at a giant panda named Lanxiang. The incident occurred around 4 PM when the panda was peacefully enjoying bamboo in its enclosure.
Incident Details
Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang as the glass bottle struck the panda, causing Lanxiang to sit up abruptly, visibly startled. She instinctively covered her head with her paws and began to rub the area where she had been hit. Despite the shock, the panda did not sustain any physical injuries. Zoo staff quickly intervened, using an apple to coax Lanxiang away from the scene to ensure her safety and well-being.
Public Reaction
The man's actions drew immediate condemnation from onlookers, who confronted him about his behavior. In an unusual twist, he called the police himself, claiming that he was being attacked by the crowd for his actions. During this confrontation, he reportedly defended his behavior by stating, "Is it wrong for me to call the panda to drink coke?" This statement further infuriated witnesses and sparked discussions on social media about appropriate behavior towards animals in captivity.
Police Involvement
The police arrived shortly after the incident and took the man into custody for questioning. A spokesperson from Chongqing Zoo confirmed that they were cooperating with law enforcement in handling the situation. Experts are currently monitoring Lanxiang continuously for 24 hours to ensure she remains healthy following the traumatic event.
Future Actions
The zoo's security department is responsible for addressing the incident, and it has been reported that the man could face serious consequences for his actions. The public has expressed a desire for stricter penalties against such behavior, with many calling for a lifetime ban from the zoo and other repercussions.
About Lanxiang
Lanxiang is a 22-year-old female giant panda born on July 12, 2002, at the China Giant Panda Protection and Research Center. She was transferred to Chongqing Zoo in 2003 and has since become a beloved attraction.
