"Icicles Everywhere, Covered in Excrement"… Abuse Allegations Hit 'Daegu Zoo' Amid Operational Difficulties

Photo by Beagle Rescue Network SNS capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] A zoo in Daegu has been accused of neglecting animals amid operational difficulties.

According to the Beagle Rescue Network (Bigu Network) and other animal protection organizations on the 3rd, a zoo located in Gachang-myeon, Dalseong-gun, Daegu, closed temporarily in November last year.

Most of the animals at the zoo were relocated to nearby zoos, but some outdoor animals such as camels, monkeys, and raccoons remained in the existing facilities.

Photos released by Bigu Network showed that the inside of the animal enclosures was poorly maintained. Animal feces were left unattended, and icicles formed due to the severe cold.

The glass windows were dirty, making it difficult to see inside, and signs of animals digging around in search of food were captured.

Bigu Network alleged, "As the zoo faced operational difficulties due to the impact of COVID-19, they completely neglected the remaining animals and even cruelly killed some by hanging them. They failed to provide feed on time and neglected the animals by leaving them in enclosures so cold that icicles formed."

According to Bigu Network, the zoo, located halfway up a high mountain, had its electricity and water supply cut off, forcing local residents to carry water from the mountain base for months to provide drinking water and clean up animal waste.

Bigu Network stated, "A resident who cared for the animals received help through 'lawyers advocating for animal rights,' and Bigu Network proceeded with the rescue. Killing animals cruelly in a public place is clearly an act of abuse," and they plan to request Daegu City Hall and the Daegu Regional Environmental Office to take isolation measures against animal abuse.

This sparked criticism and anger from netizens toward the zoo.

As the controversy spread, Daegu City stated, "The zoo strongly denies any abuse," but added that if abuse is confirmed during on-site inspections of the problematic zoo, they will take action according to relevant laws.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.