Zoo Closed Over Tiger Death Cover-Up, Fake Streams and Donation Fraud

Authorities in Puyang City of central China's Henan province have ordered the closure of a zoo and suspended its director after the staff concealed the death of a tiger cub, used recorded videos to fake livestreams, and fraudulently obtained online donations from viewers, according to an official notice released today.

A Siberian tiger cub named Nuan Nuan, the zoo's primary online attraction, died of feline panleukopenia in January, but the zoo did not disclose its death at the time. Instead, staff substituted another cub for on-camera appearances and played pre-recorded footage to simulate live broadcasts.

Suspicions arose among viewers after they noticed differences in fur color and behavior, describing the cub on screen as more docile than before. Following repeated inquiries, the zoo released an apology video on February 4, confirming that Nuan Nuan had died.

In the statement, the zoo said the switch happened when a tiger from another zoo was brought in for a blood test and was "temporarily" put on camera, after which staff referred to the new cub as "Nuan Nuan."

Nuan Nuan's keeper, surnamed Zhang, apologized in the video for not announcing the cub's death promptly and promised to release the cub's treatment records and related documents in a follow-up.

The zoo, a privately operated facility, has in recent years relied heavily on animal livestreams to attract online traffic and receive virtual tips. It said the funds were used to improve animal feed and living conditions. Nuan Nuan had become popular due to its cute appearance, drawing large audiences who sent money through livestream tips and private transfers as "cloud feeding." The exact use of the funds, however, remains unclear.

On February 10, the zoo director said in a media report that the zoo had suspended operations, while staff remained on site to care for the animals.

Forestry authorities from the city's Hualong District said it will continue to investigate and handle those responsible in accordance with laws and regulations.