From TikTok to Southern Charm, Inside the Conspiracy Theory That Pandas Aren’t Real

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As a passionate admirer, I’d say: I’m captivated by these enchanting and endangered creatures – pandas. Their fluffy charm has made them a universal symbol for global conservation initiatives, acting as diplomatic emissaries to foster international friendships, and even saving the world (in an animated sense) in the Dreamworks Animation movie, Kung Fu Panda. However, their continued existence is a topic of concern, depending on who you speak to.

A theory claiming pandas are merely people wearing costumes has been growing popular on TikTok, though it’s not entirely original. This idea of doubting the authenticity of certain animals echoes past speculations about a Sun Bear in a Chinese zoo being a zookeeper in disguise and the long-lasting joke conspiracy that birds don’t truly exist.

In the latest episode of Bravo’s series Southern Charm, an intriguing question surfaced during a trip to Linville, North Carolina. Craig Conover, one of the characters, expressed curiosity about pandas, wondering aloud if they actually exist. The other gentlemen in the sprinter van gave him a puzzled look and started chuckling as he admitted, “I genuinely hoped they were real.

1. “Shep Rose expressed his view to the producers: ‘Craig and all those wild theories, I genuinely believe Craig might be a little unbalanced,'” or

2. “Shep Rose shared with the producers his opinion about Craig, saying, ‘Craig and his outlandish theories, I truly suspect he’s got a few loose screws,'” or

3. “According to Shep Rose, he told the producers, ‘Craig and all those conspiracy theories. I really feel that Craig is not quite all there,'” or

4. “Shep Rose expressed his opinion to the producers: ‘Craig and those wild theories. To me, it’s clear Craig isn’t quite right in the head,'” or

5. “Shep Rose shared with the producers his perspective on Craig, stating, ‘Craig and his outlandish theories. I can’t help but think Craig might be a bit off-kilter,'”

1. “When asked why he doesn’t believe pandas are real, Conover replied with a chuckle, ‘There simply isn’t any evidence for it,'” or

2. “Conover responded to Reyes’ question about not believing in pandas by laughing slightly and saying, ‘There’s no proof of their existence,'” or

3. “When questioned as to why he doesn’t think pandas are real, Conover answered with a chuckle, ‘I just can’t find any evidence for it,'” or

4. “Conover responded to the question about not believing in pandas with a chuckle, saying, ‘There’s no hard proof of their existence,'” or

5. “When asked why he doesn’t believe pandas are real, Conover laughed and replied, ‘I haven’t found any evidence for it.'”

“Pandas definitely aren’t real,” Conover later told producers. “They are people in panda suits.”

Conover has often leaned toward believing in conspiracies, and this week’s episode takes us back to Season 5 from 2018. During that time, he expressed his apprehension about receiving a “government vaccine” to Chelsea Meissner, fearing it could make him walk backwards for the rest of his life.

Don’t miss out on delving deeper into ‘Southern Charm’ next week, as the episode will be aired on November 9th. In this upcoming show, Conover manages to persuade his companions to wear tin foil hats and continue discussing his unusual theories.

Yes, really.

Are Pandas Really an Elaborate Hoax of People in Suits?

Pandas are incredibly adorable, exceptionally endangered, and absolutely genuine creatures. However, it’s perfectly fine to raise questions about even widely accepted facts, so let’s delve into this topic. If you’re looking for a creature to scrutinize, pandas could be an interesting choice. They are undeniably unique animals.

Arguments used to suggest that pandas are not real but rather a hoax include the following points: they exhibit persistent clumsiness, despite being categorized as carnivores, they primarily consume bamboo; and they have a reputation for poor reproductive success. If one were to stage a fake species using a troupe of costume performers, pandas might be the animal chosen to impersonate.

If we’re assuming there’s a conspiracy (but there isn’t), it’s quite an intricate one. Across the globe, approximately 650 panda habitats in zoos and other captive environments would need an insider at each location.

To maintain so many panda habitats operating continuously would necessitate a workforce of about two thousand people, working in shifts. This number doesn’t include those involved in designing, constructing, and maintaining the habitats. On top of that, a system for visitors to observe the pandas eating bamboo needs to be designed and built. Additionally, there are enclosures to construct, zoo staff, documentary crews, biologists, scientists, and many others who would either need to be part of the deception or unaware of it.

A lot of people would be needed to run all these panda habitats day and night (around the clock). This doesn’t even count those responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the habitats. On top of that, we’d need a system for visitors to see the pandas eating, more staff for enclosures, film crews, scientists, and many others, who would either have to be in on the secret or fooled by it.

To add to this, approximately 1,900 giant pandas reside in their natural habitat. Working in bamboo forests would take on a whole new definition if humans were transplanted there. However, these numbers should ideally grow with time as panda populations are recovering. In fact, the World Wildlife Fund has upgraded the species from endangered to vulnerable, celebrating a 17% population increase over the past ten years.

One strong indication that pandas exist beyond mere speculation (apart from what you can see with your own eyes) is their trace in the fossil record. Fossils of ancestors to today’s pandas have been uncovered in certain regions of China, dating back approximately 6 million years or more. Additionally, these ancient pandas appeared around the same time as extensive bamboo forests were growing in the area and developed characteristics that facilitated their transition to a primarily herbivorous diet.

Panda behavior can often appear unusual or even unrealistic, but their peculiarities are largely explained by scientific understanding. Hopefully, these fascinating creatures will continue to thrive for many years to come.

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2025-06-20 21:18