Mrs. Kim Visits Cheongju Zoo That Saved 'Galbisaja', Emphasizing the Importance of Animal Respect Awareness

First Lady Kim Geon-hee, wife of President Yoon Suk-yeol, visited Cheongju Zoo in Chungcheongbuk-do on the 5th and expressed her commitment to enhancing animal welfare.

Cheongju Zoo is the new home of Baram, a male lion who was nicknamed the "Rib Lion" due to his emaciated body after living in poor conditions at another zoo.

In April, Kim visited the Chungnam Wildlife Rescue Center to observe the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of wild animals, where she first learned about Baram's story.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim listened to the current activities of Cheongju Zoo, which leads efforts to realize animal welfare by protecting and healing animals that have been commercially exploited and abandoned, and expressed gratitude for the dedication and hard work of veterinarians, animal welfare workers, and other related personnel.

At the event, Kim said, "Raising awareness for respecting animals is important," and added, "I hope the exemplary model of Cheongju Zoo, including Baram's case, will spread more widely. I will also lend my support," according to spokesperson Lee Do-woon.

Referring to the amended "Act on the Management of Zoos and Aquariums" (Zoo and Aquarium Act), which will take effect on December 14, she said, "It is fortunate that improvements in animal welfare, such as the introduction of a permit system for zoos and aquariums and the prohibition of wild animal exhibitions, will be implemented." This law changes the registration system for zoos and aquariums to a permit system and prohibits acts that harm animal welfare, such as causing pain, fear, or stress to animals in possession or exhibiting animals outside the zoo location.

Upon seeing Baram recovering his health, Kim said, "My heart is touched. It feels like a miracle has been achieved," and participated in checking his health through feeding. She also threw an "enrichment play device," which stimulates animals confined to limited spaces, to a Himalayan Tahr, a type of wild goat, observed the feeding activity of a captive bear rescued from a bile farm cage, and watched the adaptation training of a red fox rescued from an urban area.

After touring the facilities, Kim said, "Cheongju Zoo can serve as a good example for improving public awareness," and added, "I hope the children who visit here will form a consensus on animal welfare and respect for animals."

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