"Try Feeding the Otters"... Indoor Zoos for Human Entertainment Still Thriving

[Report] A Visit to an Indoor Zoo
Dozens of Guinea Pigs in Cramped Enclosures
"Mixed-Species Enclosures" That Ignore Animal Habits Are Also Common

"Try feeding the otters."

At indoor zoo A, recently visited in Gyeonggi Province, the first thing that caught the eye after passing the entrance was the "feeding experience zone." Visitors could pay an additional 3,000 won to feed animals such as otters. Although there was a sign stating "Do not feed anything other than the designated food," there were no staff members present to directly monitor this. When the reporter personally fed the otters, four to five otters moved vigorously and made noises as they competed for the food.

The recently discovered guinea pig enclosure at an indoor zoo in Gyeonggi Province appears excessively cramped relative to the number of animals. Photo by Byeon Seonjin

It has been nearly two years since the law to strengthen animal welfare was enacted, yet indoor zoos that promote interactive experiences are still thriving. Critics argue that this mode of operation contradicts both animal welfare and the intent of the law.

According to the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (formerly the Ministry of Environment) on the 22nd, as of last year, 55 out of 126 zoos nationwide (43.7%) were interactive zoos. Many of these operate as indoor zoos, offering programs where visitors can feed or touch the animals.

Under the revised "Act on the Management of Zoos and Aquariums" (Zoo and Aquarium Act), which took effect in December 2023, interactive exhibition activities such as feeding and touching animals are, in principle, prohibited at zoos. Concerns have been raised that direct contact with animals can undermine their welfare, and during the 21st National Assembly, there was bipartisan consensus that such activities cause physical and psychological stress to animals. However, existing registered zoos are granted a five-year grace period, and if they submit an educational activity plan to the Ministry of Environment or local governments, such interactive exhibitions are permitted.

Many indoor zoos are using interactive programs such as feeding as profit-making businesses. For example, indoor zoo B in Seoul sells animal feed for 5,000 won. Jung Jina, head of the Social Solidarity Team at Animal Liberation Wave, pointed out, "In some cases, animals are intentionally underfed to make them more responsive during the experience," adding, "These interactive exhibitions are closer to entertainment than education and should be banned."

The recently discovered Sulcata tortoise outside its enclosure at an indoor zoo located in Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Seonjin Byun

The excessively cramped enclosures and lack of hiding places are also issues. At indoor zoo A, there were only about five shelters for the 20 to 30 guinea pigs in the enclosure. As a result, most of the guinea pigs stayed close to the glass walls or minimized their movement by curling up. In the penguin habitat at indoor zoo B, there were six penguins but no separate hiding places available.

"Mixed-species enclosures" are also common. At indoor zoo A, capybaras and leopard tortoises shared the same enclosure, while at indoor zoo B, rabbits and Sulcata tortoises were housed together. This practice is criticized for ignoring the ecological habits and emotional distress of different species.

Experts have pointed out that the operation of indoor zoos, which have become focused on interactive experiences, does not align with the intent of the relevant laws. Kim Younghwan, Policy Director at Animal Rights Action Kara, criticized, "It is instinctive for wild animals to avoid humans, so forcing them into repeated contact with people can be a serious source of stress."

Team leader Jung Jina also emphasized, "In the true sense, a zoo should not be a space for entertainment, but a facility for rescuing animals that have lost their habitats and restoring ecosystems," adding, "Exhibiting animals as objects of experience does not fit the current trend of heightened awareness of animal welfare."

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