Target: Miao Jun, Inspector of the Shanghai Landscaping and City Appearance Administrative Bureau
Goal: Identify and penalize visitors who pressed bright phone screens against a young chimpanzee’s enclosure, and enforce strict protections to stop this harassment immediately.
Visitors at a major wildlife park in Shanghai have been holding mobile phones up to a juvenile chimpanzee’s viewing glass so the animal can watch. Despite signage that warns “Don’t show me the mobile phone,” multiple clips and accounts suggest screens were pressed to the glass and repeatedly shown to the primate. Park staff have stated that such exposure can harm the chimpanzee’s eyes, cause restlessness, and trigger health issues—an especially troubling risk for a very young animal.
The behavior has persisted even with posted warnings, with individuals fixing phones directly to the glass to keep the chimpanzee watching. This kind of stimulation distresses captive wildlife; for a developing great ape, the bright, fast-changing light and human crowding can elevate stress and compromise welfare. The public display ignores clear instructions and undermines humane care.
The responsible authorities should act now. The behavior constitutes harassment of a confined animal and appears to violate the spirit of visitor conduct rules designed to safeguard welfare. Sign below to demand immediate identification and penalties for violators, additional stand-off barriers, increased staff presence, confiscation or fines when rules are ignored, and a mandated welfare audit with public education to protect these animals.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Miao Jun,
Recent reports and video from a Shanghai wildlife park show visitors pressing mobile phones against a young chimpanzee’s enclosure to make the animal watch. Staff have publicly warned that repeated screen exposure can damage eyes, cause agitation, and risk broader health issues—especially for a juvenile. The conduct persisted despite warning signs telling visitors to stop.
We respectfully request an immediate investigation to identify any individuals who engaged in this harassment and to impose appropriate penalties, including fines and temporary or permanent bans from the facility. We further urge you to require the park to implement stronger protections: stand-off barriers that prevent devices from reaching the glass, increased staff presence at the enclosure, clear announcements, and prompt enforcement when rules are ignored.
Finally, please mandate a welfare review by qualified experts and require ongoing public education at the park about why screens and similar behaviors endanger animals. Swift, visible action will deter future misconduct and help ensure this young chimpanzee—and all animals in the park—are protected from similar mistreatment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Herusutimbul
