The success of the animated hit Zootopia 2 is undeniable. So far, the film has grossed 1.08 billion USD worldwide, with over 500 million USD coming from the Chinese market alone (according to The Hollywood Reporter). However, alongside this massive revenue comes a troubling phenomenon that has Chinese authorities deeply concerned.
From animated character to venomous snake craze
The root of this issue lies with Gary, a new green snake character introduced in the sequel. In the movie, Gary is a snake from a marginalized group who fights to overcome stereotypes about reptiles and restore his family’s honor. Gary’s charm and inspiring story have made him wildly popular with Chinese audiences.
According to CNN, shortly after the film’s release, major e-commerce platforms in China saw a sharp spike in searches for the Indonesian pit viper. This species is highly venomous, with prices ranging from a few hundred to several thousand yuan (about 42 to 426 USD) per snake.
Online sellers are capitalizing on Gary’s popularity to promote these snakes. By the end of 2024, China had around 17 million exotic pet owners, more than half of whom belong to Gen Z, the demographic most influenced by pop culture.
The looming danger: passion beyond control
Keeping a highly venomous snake in an urban environment is a ticking time bomb. Experts warn about the risks of these snakes escaping and attacking people, posing serious public safety threats. The power of media and film is moving far faster than wildlife regulations can keep up.
This is not the first time audiences have acted impulsively after watching a film. For example, Finding Nemo caused a surge in clownfish purchases despite its message to leave fish in their natural habitats. Similarly, James Gunn’s Superman boosted searches for dog adoptions by 513% thanks to the lovable dog Krypto.
The critical difference here is that while clownfish and dogs are relatively safe pets, venomous pit vipers are a true red flag.
The consequences of trend-driven pet buying
The biggest problem is that buyers often do not research how to care for these animals or understand their biology. They purchase them on a whim, driven by the trend, and once the hype fades, their enthusiasm dies down. Many of these animals end up abandoned or dead due to improper care.
Owning a potentially deadly creature just to mimic a cartoon character is irresponsible. The Zootopia 2 phenomenon in China serves as a stark warning about separating fantasy from reality and the responsibility viewers have when following online trends.