China seems to have moved past COVID-19 and there seems to be an air of optimism. While the country has come under attack for its role in coronavirus, there seems to be little bothering it.
While wet animal markets have been under scrutiny, no lessons seem to have been learnt from the pandemic. From raccoons to pigs and snakes, Shanghai’s animal cafe scene has expanded to include a wider and more exotic kingdom.
AFP
The new trend in dining alongside all manner of species – from raccoons to pigs and reptiles – comes despite pandemic-fuelled concerns about the dangers of deadly viruses jumping from wild animals to humans.
There are dozens of animal cafes in China’s biggest city, with visitors helping to drive the craze by posing for photos with the creatures and sharing them on social media, Jakarta Post reported.
AFP
Tucked away in central Shanghai, Raccoon Cafe is home to eight of the mammals. The biggest of them, weighing about 10 kilos (22 pounds), jumps up and down by a window, seemingly agitated by customers.
Customers pay from 98 yuan ($15) for entry but it is debatable how much of the venue actually functions as a cafe.
Also read: Why We Should Put An End To The Illegal Wildlife Trade, To Prevent Another COVID-Like Pandemic
AFP
In another Shanghai cafe, snakes, iguanas and geckos wait to delight customers.
Owner Wang Liqun has 30 snakes, among them Corn snakes and Kingsnakes – neither is venomous but they can bite. Wang is yet to have such an incident with a customer.
Even after severe criticism associated with how coronavirus and how it should serve as a caution, the animal cafes in China seem to be flourishing with ease.
Also read: Not Just Wuhan’s Wet Markets, Illegal Wildlife Trade Is A Thriving Business Too, Time We End It