On October 6, at the Nantong Forest Wildlife Zoo in Jiangsu Province, several alpacas appeared to collapse after being overfed by visitors.

Video footage shows that while some alpacas refused food from children by keeping their mouths shut, others lay down on the ground. One alpaca appeared dazed, surrounded by scattered carrots, cabbage, and other food scraps, as nearby visitors exclaimed, “They really can’t eat anymore!”

The incident quickly sparked widespread discussion on social media. Some users expressed concern that the animals could overeat to the point of death, while others questioned whether the alpacas’ “white eyes” indicated a health problem.

On October 7, staff at the Nantong Forest Wildlife Zoo confirmed the incident and explained that in the zoo’s self-driving section, visitors can purchase carrots and other food to feed animals. Due to the large crowds during the National Day holiday, feeding activity was extremely frequent. Alpacas, in particular, were fed excessively because children were especially eager to feed them.

Addressing concerns that the animals had “collapsed from overeating,” staff clarified that the alpacas were not in danger. They had simply eaten their fill and were resting. Zookeepers monitor their condition at all times, and when alpacas are full, they show signs such as pursing their lips to indicate they no longer wish to eat.