Controversy Surrounds Baby Orangutan Qixi's Human-Like Treatment at Chinese Zoo

A baby orangutan named Qixi, located in a zoo in Central China's Henan Province, has become a topic of intense online discussion. This is largely due to videos circulating that depict her in human attire, including braided hair and dresses, as well as her engaging interactively with visitors. While the zoo asserts that these practices aim to keep Qixi warm and enhance her appearance, animal welfare experts express significant concern regarding the potential negative effects on her health and well-being.

An account called "Orangutan Dad," linked to the zoo and run by a self-identified experienced keeper, has drawn a substantial following of 21,000 by regularly posting videos showcasing Qixi's daily life. These clips illustrate her living in a crib, donning human baby clothes, and being held or hugged by people. A zoo staff member informed the press that Qixi, an 8-month-old orangutan born in captivity at the facility, is entirely raised by humans. They argue that dressing her in clothing is essential due to the local climate being outside her optimal temperature range, and they believe braiding her hair is mainly for cosmetic reasons to prevent it from obstructing her vision.

The zoo officials added that Qixi spends time outside to get sunlight and enjoys interaction with visitors, promising that they maintain hygiene by using disinfectants during these encounters. They also stated that she is bathed every other day to ensure her health. The workers emphasized that because Qixi is too young to walk, close human contact is necessary for her development and the maintenance of captive breeding programs aimed at supporting the orangutan population. They likened her development to that of a human child.

The online reception to Qixi's treatment has been notably mixed; while some viewers find her adorable, others argue that these actions are inappropriate, insisting that orangutans should live in their natural habitats where they can climb freely. Critics maintain that raising orangutans in such a human-centric manner undermines their instincts.

Animal welfare specialists caution that orangutans need to socialize with their own species to thrive, warning that isolation could lead to psychological damage. They also point out the potential health risks associated with frequent human interactions, including the transmission of diseases. As a result, they have condemned the practices involving dressing, styling hair, and arranging tourist interactions with Qixi, suggesting that these actions are harmful to her welfare and constitute unethical wildlife entertainment.