Chinese zoo closed for displaying dog as lion

The zoo in the Chinese city of Luohe closed after numerous complaints from visitors. The visitors found that the cage marked as "African Lion" actually contained a dog, a Tibetan mastiff, Reuters said.

The episode was not an isolated case of fraud on the part of the administration of People's Park Zoo. Previously, the zoo attempted to pass other common animals for leopards and snakes.

According to Chinese media, the zoo apologized to visitors and closed "to correct the mistakes." Many wildlife activists have repeatedly criticized Chinese zoos for poor living conditions for animals and other violations.