In early September, videos of visitors showing Ding Ding, a 2-year-old chimpanzee at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, their phones went viral on Chinese social media.

According to many visitors, this happened frequently, and Ding Ding had become addicted to this form of entertainment. The chimpanzee appeared excited, often sitting close to the glass, waiting and staring intently at the screens. When the videos ended or the phones were put away, he showed signs of distress.

Two-year-old chimpanzee Ding Ding at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park intently watches a visitor's phone, 9/2025. Photo: *Douyin*

The incident sparked debate, forcing the Shanghai Wild Animal Park to issue a statement urging visitors to stop this behavior.

Zoo staff explained that constant exposure to screens could cause nearsightedness in the chimpanzee. "If his eyesight deteriorates, he can't tell us, nor can he wear glasses. Blurry vision will make him anxious and irritable," a staff member said.

The zoo has placed signs reading "Don't show me your phone" near Ding Ding's enclosure. While there's no penalty for non-compliance, staff hope visitors will cooperate and intervene if they see others violating the ban.

A sign reading "Don't show me your phone" placed in front of Ding Ding's enclosure at the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, 9/2025. Photo: *Douyin*

The ban has garnered over 10 million views online. "Please respect the natural way of life for animals," one person commented.

This isn't the first time this phenomenon has occurred in China. Previous videos have shown primates captivated by screens, even gesturing for viewers to position their devices better. One orangutan even threw a tantrum when a phone was taken away.

Minh Phuong (*Worldjournal, Sina*)