'Galbisaja' Habitat Gimhae Zoo, Local Government Inspection Finds 'No Issues'

Neglect Confirmed in October 2021 After Poor Management
Reinspection and Measures Began Only After Public Debate

It has been revealed that Bukyeong Zoo in Bukyeong-dong, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, which made 'Barami,' living a new life at Cheongju Zoo, emaciated enough to show its ribs and called the 'Rib Lion,' received results from government inspections indicating no issues about 70 times.

According to data received on the 15th by Lee Joo-hwan, a member of the National Assembly's Environment and Labor Committee from the People Power Party, from the Ministry of Environment and others, the local government in charge inspected Bukyeong Zoo a total of 101 times over four years from August 2019 to August this year.

The lion 'Barami' during its stay at Bukyung Zoo. Its ribs are clearly visible, indicating poor nutritional condition.
[Photo by Cheongju Zoo]

Among these, 74 cases were judged to have no problems with the operation of Bukyeong Zoo, including 70 cases of no particular issues and 4 cases where the zoo's operation was deemed appropriate.

There were 24 inspections where issues were pointed out, mostly minor problems such as failure to write disinfection logs and not implementing avian influenza (AI) quarantine plans until 2020.

In the October 2021 inspection, it was pointed out that "the zoo's management has deteriorated, leading to inadequate care," and in August last year, it was evaluated that "there seem to be difficulties in managing animal diseases and safety." The lack of professional personnel was repeatedly criticized.

Although management negligence issues were confirmed at least since October 2021, no significant measures were taken for nearly two years. Barami, the 'Rib Lion,' was rescued only in July this year, a month after the poor breeding environment of Bukyeong Zoo became public.

Separately from the local government, the Nakdong River Basin Environmental Office also inspected Bukyeong Zoo three times this year. Until February this year, it concluded 'no particular issues,' but in June, around the same time Barami's problem became public, it issued an improvement order for violating animal breeding management standards.

There are also suspicions of inadequate animal health examinations. According to records of five inspections conducted by veterinarians through the local government this year, from January to June, the assessment was 'normal except for emaciation due to old age,' but only in July was dehydration, exhaustion diagnosis, and concerns about heatstroke pointed out.

The Ministry of Environment explains that the poor conditions of the zoo will improve once the revised Zoo and Aquarium Act, scheduled to be enforced in December, takes effect. The revised law includes a permit system for zoos and aquariums and provisions to provide habitats suitable for the ecological characteristics of animals. However, there are concerns that problems will recur if management and supervision remain negligent even after regulations are established.

Assemblyman Lee Joo-hwan said, "Even though zoo animals live in poor conditions, responsible agencies such as the Ministry of Environment delayed their response until the issue became public," and requested, "In addition to strengthening zoo management and supervision, a full investigation should also be conducted."

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