The upcoming animated film Zootopia 2 has found an unexpected cultural impact in China, where a character named Gary has gone viral among young audiences. However, the popularity of the character has sparked a controversial and potentially dangerous trend: an increasing number of young people are reportedly buying venomous pit vipers as pets, inspired by the reptilian figure from the film.

Gary, introduced as a charismatic snake character in Zootopia 2, has gained massive attention on Chinese social media platforms. Fan art, memes, merchandise, and short video clips featuring the character have flooded online spaces, turning Gary into a pop-culture sensation. While animated characters influencing fashion and collectibles is nothing new, this trend has taken a far more concerning turn.

According to reports, some young fans are seeking to replicate their admiration for the character by purchasing real-life snakes, particularly pit vipers, which are known to be venomous and potentially lethal. Online marketplaces and exotic pet forums have reportedly seen increased interest in such reptiles, raising alarms among wildlife experts, doctors, and animal welfare groups.

Pit vipers possess haemotoxic venom that can cause severe tissue damage, internal bleeding, and even death if antivenom is not administered promptly. Medical professionals have warned that keeping venomous snakes as pets poses serious risks, not only to owners but also to family members, neighbours, and emergency responders who may be unprepared for snakebite incidents.

Wildlife conservationists have also expressed concern over the illegal wildlife trade. Many venomous snakes sold online are believed to be illegally captured rather than bred in regulated environments. This not only threatens wild populations but also undermines conservation laws designed to protect biodiversity.

Chinese authorities already maintain strict regulations on owning exotic and dangerous animals, but enforcement challenges remain, especially in the digital marketplace. Experts fear that pop-culture-driven trends can outpace regulation, particularly when social media glamorises risky behaviour without highlighting consequences.

The situation has reignited debates about the responsibility of entertainment companies and influencers in shaping youth behaviour. While filmmakers do not promote dangerous actions, experts argue that viral characters can unintentionally fuel imitation, especially when combined with online communities that normalise extreme pet ownership.

Animal welfare groups are urging stronger public awareness campaigns to discourage the keeping of venomous animals as pets. They emphasise that admiration for fictional characters should not translate into real-world harm—to humans or wildlife.

The phenomenon highlights how modern pop culture can have unintended real-world consequences, especially in the age of instant online trends. As Zootopia 2 continues to build anticipation, authorities and experts alike are calling for vigilance, education, and stricter monitoring of exotic animal sales to prevent a fictional snake from inspiring real-life danger.