Archive · 16 Nov 2025
Pet Alpaca Dies from Hypothermia After Grooming Incident in China
A fluffy pet alpaca named Mao Mao went to a grooming shop in China for a bath and haircut.
The people at the shop didn't dry Mao Mao all the way, leaving its thick fur wet.
That night, it was left in the cold and got too cold, like having a really bad chill, and sadly passed away from hypothermia.
Mao Mao's owner was very sad and upset, feeling like the shop didn't take good care of her pet.
The shop first said it was their fault, but then changed their mind.
People online were very angry, saying that animals need to be treated with care.
Eventually, the owner and the shop owner talked and agreed on something after the story became very popular.
A pet alpaca in Guangzhou, China, died from hypothermia after a grooming session.
The alpaca was not dried properly by the grooming shop staff and was exposed to cold temperatures overnight.
The owner expressed devastation and sought justice, refusing initial compensation offers.
The pet shop's account of staff negligence shifted, leading to a settlement after the story gained widespread attention.
The incident has triggered a national debate on animal welfare and the responsibility of pet grooming businesses.
- Who
- A pet alpaca named Mao Mao, its owner (surnamed Li), and a pet grooming shop in Guangzhou, China.
- What
- The alpaca died from hypothermia after a grooming session where it was not dried properly, leading to a dispute over negligence and compensation.
- When
- The incident occurred recently, with a settlement reached on November 9.
- Where
- Guangzhou, China.
- Why
- The alpaca died due to hypothermia caused by staff negligence at the grooming shop in failing to dry the animal properly before exposing it to cold temperatures overnight.
Owner's Perspective
Grooming Shop's Actions/Statements
Cause of Death & Negligence
Owner's Perspective
The alpaca died from hypothermia due to improper drying after grooming, a preventable mistake stemming from staff negligence and exhaustion from a heavy workload.
Grooming Shop's Actions/Statements
Initially admitted staff negligence, but later denied it. The pet shop owner eventually reached a settlement with the owner after the story went viral.
Payment Dispute
Owner's Perspective
The owner claims her agreement was with the shop, not individual employees, and denies being asked to transfer grooming fees privately.
Grooming Shop's Actions/Statements
An employee allegedly contacted the owner claiming her in-shop credit was insufficient and asked for a private transfer of the grooming fee.
- Animal
- Alpaca named Mao Mao
- Incident Location
- Guangzhou, China
- Cause of Death
- Hypothermia from improper drying after grooming
- Owner's Origin
- Jinan, Shandong province, China
- Alleged Employee Claim
- In-shop credit of 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) was insufficient
- Date of Settlement
- November 9