Chinese Livestreamer Shut Down After Investigating Pet's Mysterious Death in Xinjiang

The Journey of Zhao Shuo and Wukong

• 🚴 Zhao Shuo, a popular Chinese travel livestreamer, gained over four million followers by documenting his year-long journey across China on a bicycle.
• 🐱 His solitary travels took a turn when he adopted a stray kitten, whom he named Wukong, in the Altai Mountains of Xinjiang.
• 📈 The pair became a media sensation, even boosting a local Xinjiang yogurt brand, and brought positive attention to the region.

Unraveling Wukong's Mysterious Death

• 💔 On April 15, Zhao announced Wukong's death, found lifeless two kilometers from their campsite, initially attributed to a car accident by police.
• 🔍 Zhao's investigation revealed inconsistencies: Wukong rarely strayed, and GPS data showed a gap before her body was found far away.
• 🔬 Autopsy results ruled out trauma from accidents or falls, but indicated poisoning due to undigested food and subsequent bleeding.
• 🕵️ Social media users suspected Wukong was kidnapped, poisoned, and her death staged, with some claiming she was listed on a dark web bounty list.

Forced Apology and Censorship

• 🗣️ Zhao later released a video, seemingly under duress, stating Wukong died from accidentally ingesting a rodent, apologizing for negative public opinion.
• 🚫 This explanation was met with skepticism online, and shortly after, Zhao's videos were deleted, and his account made private, fueling speculation of a cover-up.
• 🏛️ The incident is viewed as an example of Chinese authorities intervening to protect the image of their jurisdiction, especially in regions like Xinjiang.

Broader Implications in China

• 🇨🇳 The case highlights China's lack of national animal cruelty legislation and the government's focus on presenting a positive national image, even at the cost of covering up potential crimes.
• 💔 The story underscores the challenges faced by individuals seeking truth in China, particularly when official narratives are prioritized over transparency.
• 🏞️ Zhao eventually laid Wukong to rest back in the Altai Mountains where they first met, leaving the circumstances of her death a mystery.