Why the coffee press release on Guangzhou Zoo's post drew attention

Guangzhou Zoo posted images on social media linking animal feces to the tapioca pearls in milk tea, with the caption "Hey, did you have afternoon tea today?" The post quickly spread and drew criticism from people who said it spoiled their appetite. The zoo has since deleted the content, and customer service stated that no related products are sold.

Street interviews found most respondents considered the promotional idea inappropriate, with some calling it uncomfortable or disgusting. Others read it as a teasing nudge to drink less pearl milk tea, comparing it to the old Skittles advertisement. The incident shows how quickly an edgy social post can turn into a wider debate once it is picked up as a coffee press release topic.

Guangzhou Zoo recently released a set of images linking animal feces to the tapioca pearls in milk tea, with the caption "Hey, did you have afternoon tea today?" which quickly sparked discussion on social platforms. Many netizens who were enjoying pearl milk tea said they felt a visual shock, bluntly saying "the milk tea in my hand suddenly doesn't taste good anymore." In street interviews, most citizens believed this promotional approach was inappropriate and likely to affect appetite, with some even describing it as "uncomfortable" and "disgusting." However, some voices pointed out that this was more like a teasing reminder to encourage people to drink less pearl milk tea, and it reminded people of the classic Skittles advertisement. Currently, the zoo has deleted the related content, and customer service stated that no related products are for sale.

The panda Ya Yi with the vibe of a Cantonese local:

A peacock running onto the lawn outside its enclosure to "show off" by fanning its tail:

And also, the zoo officially released a set of "pearl" milk tea images…

Recently, Guangzhou Zoo posted a set of images related to "pearl" milk tea on social platforms, which quickly drew various comments from netizens. Judging from these images, the official account linked animal excrement to the pearls in milk tea, and wrote this caption: "Hey, did you have afternoon tea today?"… This sudden visual impact made many people who were sipping pearls instantly feel that the milk tea in their cups had lost its appeal.

Regarding this promotional approach, several media outlets conducted random street interviews with citizens. Most respondents felt that the advertising idea was inappropriate and would interfere with appetite. Some were more emotional, directly saying that this kind of content was "very harmful, very uncomfortable, and very disgusting."

Of course, some netizens believed this move was mainly "teasing," and could instead serve to persuade people to drink less pearl milk tea. Others mentioned that it reminded them of the Skittles advertisement they had seen as children.

I believe everyone remembers that Skittles advertisement deeply. It has two especially memorable points: first, a giraffe eats a rainbow, and the milk it squeezes out turns into Skittles, which are then eaten; second, that uncle's laughter is truly brainwashing.

This advertisement has been interpreted from many angles, but for ordinary consumers, the most direct impression is that the visuals are full of comedy, highlighting childlike fun and striking a chord with childish innocence, making it appealing to people of all ages.

And precisely because it is absurd enough, it has always been remembered by everyone. People even think of Skittles every time they see a rainbow, and when they see Skittles they think of that advertisement again. When thinking of advertising creativity, they naturally associate it with the Skittles brand.

Actually, a moderate amount of absurdity is not unacceptable. If the images released by Guangzhou Zoo this time had not been aimed at food products, then it might still count as a pretty good promotion—by using appropriate absurdity and spoofing, it can attract more people's attention to the zoo.

Not long after the images sparked heated discussion, Guangzhou Zoo deleted the related post. Customer service also stated in an interview with the media that no related products were on sale. As for why such content was posted, customer service responded that they were unclear.

Image source: Internet

The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.