Research Proposal

I have chosen Guangzhou Zoological Garden as my location to investigate because I learned that most of the animals in this zoo were rescued from circuses. I found this action warm and educational.

The Guangzhou Zoo has a history of growth and change. Most notably, the zoo’s function has changed from rearing livestock for large animals for food and profiting from animal performances to providing a home for retired circus animals. Forcing animals to perform to please humans is no longer in line with modern, civilised trends. The Guangzhou Zoo provides a sanctuary for circus animals that cannot be returned to nature. However, animal cruelty still exists in today’s society.

Just a few months ago, Lele, a giant panda living at the Memphis Zoo in the United States, died suddenly, causing controversy over the cause of his death. In early 2022, some netizens pointed out that the survival of Lele and his companion Yaya was not encouraging. Photos from Sohu News showed the two pandas, thin, bony, and depressed, in much worse condition than when they first arrived in the US.

I’ll go to the Guangzhou Zoological Garden to record how things have changed from the past there. Regarding the mistreatment of pandas Lele and Yaya in particular, I will research the statements and videos on the Memphis Zoo’s official website, the local news videos on WREG News Channel 3 on YouTube, the CEO of the zoo’s interview, and the public’s feedback. In addition, there are the voices of American groups like The Cable News Network and In Defence of Animals. I’ll collect photographs with authenticity of the panda’s ailments and maybe other afflicted animals, then include this information in my sketchbook.

I am applying to BA (Hons) Fashion Design Technology: Womenswear. The conceptual development of features of the Guangzhou Zoological Garden was meaningful; it will help me design clothing from an extended conceptual perspective, in line with my chosen undergraduate course. I will find many important components and inspirations for my design in the fur and furry characteristics of the animals, the alterations caused by maltreatment, the therapeutic modalities and materials, and so on. 

I am going to design a collection of 10 outfits that fit the key words “healing” and “comforting” under my own brand RisCho. It will be a limited edition collection on the theme of animal protection and be priced in line with accessible luxury pieces. My target consumer is the same discerning and sophisticated consumer group that is captivated by the renowned Moschino brand. I will strive to create designs that embody a fusion of boldness, innovation, and meticulous craftsmanship. This positioning enables my work to cater to a clientele that embraces the avant-garde and seeks unique fashion expressions, while still maintaining a sense of timelessness and elegance. They are also some of the most active people on the internet today, hopefully generating a certain amount of discussion and bringing the brand into the wider public spotlight while serving to educate and enhance the spirit of animal protection.

Bibliography

In Memoriam: Le Le the Giant Panda (2023) YouTube. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM737cOnPVU&ab_channel=MemphisZoo (Accessed: 20 April 2023).

Le Le the Giant Panda dies (2023) YouTube. YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipBdFxB4Gds&ab_channel=WREGNewsChannel3 (Accessed: 25 April 2023).

May, T. and Hauser, C. (2023) A panda is coming home, and her Chinese fans say it’s about time, The New York Times. Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/12/world/asia/panda-china-memphis-zoo-ya-ya.html (Accessed: 26 May 2023).

Michelson, B. (2023) Update: Lele the Giant Panda dies of neglect after collapse at Memphis Zoo shortly before return to China, IDA USA. Available at: https://www.idausa.org/campaign/wild-animals-and-habitats/latest-news/lele-giant-panda-death-memphis-zoo/ (Accessed: 23 April 2023).

Riess, R. (2023) 24-year-old Giant Panda Le Le Dies at Memphis Zoo, CNN. Available at: https://edition.cnn.com/2023/02/04/us/giant-panda-le-le-dies-memphis-zoo/index.html (Accessed: 20 April 2023).

Song, C. (2021) Guangzhou Zoo, Guangzhou Zoo, Wildlife and National Park in Guangzhou. Available at: https://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/guangzhou-zoo.htm (Accessed: 20 April 2023).