A tourism experience once hailed as adorable and unforgettable has now become a cautionary tale in wildlife tourism ethics. The popular “red panda wake-up call” service offered by Lehe Ledu Liangjiang Holiday Hotel in Chongqing has been officially suspended following regulatory intervention by the local forestry bureau, citing animal welfare and guest safety concerns.
The service, which allowed hotel guests to awaken with a live red panda climbing into their bed, drew international attention for its novelty but quickly stirred controversy over its ethical and legal implications.
A Wake-Up Call with a Wild Twist
Lehe Ledu Liangjiang Holiday Hotel, located near a renowned wildlife theme park, offered an unconventional wake-up experience that allowed red pandas—China’s protected and endangered species—to freely roam guest rooms under staff supervision. Every morning, one of four red pandas was led into guest rooms where it would interact with guests, hop on beds, and receive apple slices as treats.
The service became a viral sensation after British travel vloggers Reanne and Ben, who run the YouTube channel On Tour With Dridgers, posted footage of the red panda casually climbing onto their bed. The video received millions of views, catapulting the hotel into global fame and increasing demand for the unique experience.
From Viral Fame to Official Scrutiny
However, the rising popularity also drew scrutiny. Conservationists and animal rights activists raised red flags about using red pandas—naturally shy and solitary creatures—for direct human interaction.
Dr. Sun Quanhui, a senior scientist at World Animal Protection, stated that red pandas are vulnerable to stress in captivity, especially when exposed to unfamiliar environments and continuous human contact. “Such repeated interactions not only compromise their mental and physical well-being but also create opportunities for disease transmission, both to and from humans,” he warned.
In response to these growing concerns, the Chongqing Forestry Bureau acted swiftly, issuing an official directive to the hotel to immediately suspend the wake-up call service and any close-contact activities involving red pandas.
Hotel’s Response and Defense
Hotel staff defended the service, claiming the red pandas were sourced from an accredited zoo and regularly monitored by veterinary professionals. “They’re vaccinated, healthy, and under constant care,” stated a hotel spokesperson. “Children were only allowed to participate with adult supervision, and no incidents were ever reported.”
Despite these assurances, the authorities remained firm. “Interaction with protected species must adhere strictly to China’s wildlife conservation regulations,” a forestry bureau representative explained. “The emotional appeal of red pandas should never overshadow the legal and ethical boundaries that ensure their protection.”
The Debate Over Wildlife Tourism in China
The incident at Lehe Ledu Hotel is part of a growing international debate about the use of wild animals in tourism experiences. From elephant rides in Southeast Asia to tiger selfies in Thailand, the question of how—and if—animals should be used for entertainment continues to polarize travelers, businesses, and governments.
Red pandas, classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List, face threats from habitat loss, poaching, and now, poorly regulated human interaction. Conservationists argue that using them in hotel marketing gimmicks may further normalize exploitative animal tourism.
“While the guests might cherish these moments, the cost is borne entirely by the animal,” said Angela Zhang, a wildlife researcher at East China Normal University. “We need to ask ourselves—are we protecting animals or just repackaging them for entertainment?”
Global Response and Social Media Reactions
The suspension of the panda service triggered an avalanche of reactions online. While many social media users mourned the loss of the “cutest wake-up call ever,” others applauded China’s enforcement of its wildlife protection laws.
Travel blogs and ethical tourism platforms widely supported the decision. “This is a necessary step to align China’s booming domestic tourism with global conservation standards,” tweeted WildAsia, a tourism sustainability group.
Some experts called on online travel agencies and influencers to exercise caution when promoting experiences involving direct animal interaction. “Influencers have the power to either perpetuate harmful practices or set new ethical norms,” noted Dr. Li Cheng, a tourism ethics consultant in Beijing.
What’s Next for Wildlife-Themed Tourism?
This case could mark a turning point for wildlife tourism policies in China. With rising domestic and international scrutiny, government bodies may soon release clearer guidelines to regulate animal experiences, especially those involving protected species.
Conservationists are urging hotels and travel operators to shift their focus toward education, rehabilitation, and observation-based experiences that respect animal autonomy. Ethical wildlife tourism models—such as guided forest treks, camera trap learning sessions, and virtual safaris—are increasingly being explored as sustainable alternatives.
The hotel, meanwhile, has stated that it will repurpose its red panda programming into educational exhibitions and no-contact observation zones in collaboration with zoological experts and conservationists.
Conclusion: A Lesson for the Industry and Travelers Alike
The story of Lehe Ledu’s red panda wake-up calls serves as a timely reminder: not all unique tourism offerings are ethical or sustainable. As wildlife tourism grows, so too does the responsibility to protect the very species that attract global admiration.
The Chongqing case should prompt a reevaluation—by both industry stakeholders and tourists—of the cost of such experiences. In the pursuit of unforgettable memories, we must not forget that wild animals deserve dignity, respect, and freedom from exploitation.
For tourists, the message is clear: admire, don’t intrude. And for tourism operators, ethics must evolve alongside innovation.
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