Shanghai Zoo Apologizes for Forcing Family to Leave Over Feeding Baby

The incident occurred on June 14, 2025, when Mr. Mao and his family visited the scientific education hall, where they attempted to feed their 10-month-old baby with a bottle due to the child's hunger. However, the staff asked them to leave, citing a ban on eating and drinking inside the exhibition hall. This incident sparked widespread discussion online, with many netizens expressing their opinions on the matter. Some believed that the zoo's staff were not people-oriented and should have been more considerate, given the mother's need to feed her child. Others supported the staff's actions, stating that they were simply following the rules and that the parents should have planned ahead or used the designated nursing room.

The Shanghai Zoo has since apologized and acknowledged the need to improve its services, including providing more facilities for nursing mothers and enhancing staff training to handle such situations better in the future. The incident highlights the importance of balancing the need for rules and regulations with the need for empathy and understanding in public service institutions. As the zoo moves forward, it aims to create a more welcoming and considerate environment for all visitors, including families with young children.

The backlash against the Shanghai Zoo reflects a deeper societal concern about the support and accommodations available to families, particularly in public spaces. The concept of a "birth-friendly society" implies an environment that is welcoming and accommodating to the needs of families with young children. The zoo's actions, as perceived by the public, fall short of this ideal, highlighting the need for public institutions to reevaluate their policies and practices in light of these expectations.

Some netizens believe that the Shanghai Zoo's apology statement failed to address the core issue, arguing that discouraging visitors from feeding their babies in the first place is the real problem. They advocate for creating a more inclusive social environment that accommodates children's needs. Others have questioned the zoo's initial response, which was perceived as arrogant, with some staff members claiming they had done nothing wrong and would handle similar situations in the same way in the future.

One commentator pointed out on social media that the zoo's apology seemed insincere, with the statement reading more like a justification than a genuine expression of regret. The commentator questioned whether the zoo would have apologized at all if public opinion had not forced their hand. Another commentator criticized the zoo's apology for not directly addressing the core issue, arguing that the real problem was not the manner in which the staff handled the situation, but rather the fact that they attempted to stop the parents from feeding their child in the first place.

These comments reflect a broader concern among the public that the zoo's response was inadequate and that the incident highlights a broader societal problem of intolerance towards children and their needs. The controversy surrounding the Shanghai Zoo's handling of the incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for greater inclusivity and understanding in public spaces.

The zoo has publicly acknowledged the mistake and expressed a commitment to learning from the incident. They plan to improve their facilities, train their staff better, and enhance their overall service to provide a more welcoming and inclusive experience for all visitors, including breastfeeding mothers. Beyond the zoo's response, the incident has highlighted a larger societal issue - the need for a more inclusive and supportive environment for families with young children.

Many are calling for public spaces and services to be more accommodating and respectful of the needs of children and their caregivers, recognizing the importance of creating a society that values and supports family well-being. This incident and the subsequent public discourse underscore the importance of creating social and physical environments that are welcoming and supportive of all individuals, regardless of their needs or circumstances. It emphasizes the need for awareness, education, and policy changes that promote inclusivity and respect for all, particularly for vulnerable groups such as young children and their families.

In the aftermath of the controversy, the zoo has pledged to take significant steps towards improvement. The zoo aims to enhance its services and facilities to better accommodate the needs of all visitors, including those with infants. This move is part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment for families. The incident has also sparked a wider conversation among the public about the importance of fostering a society that is more supportive and respectful of children and their caregivers. Many are advocating for the creation of spaces and policies that prioritize the well-being and dignity of families, contributing to a more compassionate and understanding community. By addressing these concerns and working towards positive change, there is hope for a future where all individuals, regardless of age or circumstance, can feel valued and supported in public spaces.