Jinyangho Zoo in Jinju to Be Restructured as a 'Future-Oriented Ecological Zoo'

Overcoming the Risk of Closure, Transitioning to a Public Zoo Focused on Animal Welfare and Education

Aiming to Reopen in Sangrakwon in 2028, with Enhanced Public Functions

Jinyangho Zoo, one of the most prominent tourist attractions in Jinju City, Gyeongsangnam-do, is overcoming the risk of closure by transitioning into a 'future-oriented ecological zoo' that strengthens its animal welfare and ecological education functions.

Jinyangho Zoo once faced discussions of downsizing and even closure due to aging facilities, financial burdens, and tightening animal welfare standards. Currently, the city is proceeding with the basic design for the zoo's relocation, aiming to reopen in 2028 with enhanced animal welfare, education, and conservation functions.

◆ The Only Public Zoo in Western Gyeongsangnam-do

The history of Jinyangho Zoo began with the Jinyangho Tourism Development Project, launched alongside the construction of the Namgang Dam in 1970.

Jinju City, Entrance of Jinyang Lake Zoo in the 1990s

In 1974, the governor of Nagasaki Prefecture in Japan donated nine peacocks to Jinju City, prompting the installation of animal enclosures in Panmun-dong. Subsequently, as animals such as water deer were donated by organizations like the Jinju Police Station, the scale of the zoo expanded. As a result, Jinyangho Zoo was established in November 1978 and officially opened on January 20, 1986.

As the only public zoo in western Gyeongsangnam-do, Jinyangho Zoo became a beloved destination for family outings and picnics, enjoying immense popularity within Jinyangho Park, a signature landmark of Jinju.

However, since the 1990s, the increasing burden of operational expenses led to ongoing financial difficulties. Notable milestones included: the introduction of admission fees in 1993; safety concerns and animal welfare controversies stemming from aging facilities in 2010; discussions of transferring ownership to Gyeongsangnam-do Province and relocation in 2011; and the cessation of new mammal acquisitions and downsizing in 2015. These developments led to serious consideration of closure.

Nevertheless, a public opinion survey revealed that a majority of citizens opposed the zoo's closure, confirming consensus around the public value and necessity of maintaining the zoo.

◆ From 'Preservation' to 'Transformation'

In response, Jinju City undertook a fundamental redefinition of the zoo's role and functions, moving beyond the issue of its preservation. In the second half of 2019, as part of the 'Jinyangho Renaissance' project, the city decided to reposition the zoo as a core attraction within Jinyangho Park, setting the policy goal of transforming it into a public zoo with a focus on animal welfare, education, and conservation.

Since 2019, Jinju City has embarked on phased improvements to the animal enclosures and operational systems. With advice from Seoul Zoo and the Korean Association of Zoos and Aquariums (KAZA), the city conducted a comprehensive review of the living environment and established a partnership with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Gyeongsang National University to enhance professional expertise.

The city also expanded its team of professional caretakers and established management systems tailored to the characteristics and health of each animal. This effort improved the overall quality of husbandry, hygiene, and safety, thereby strengthening the zoo's responsibility as a public institution.

Animal enrichment programs were also actively introduced. Initiatives such as creating hiding spaces, providing food-based play, and utilizing natural materials aimed to improve animal health and behavioral stability by catering to their instincts and habits.

In addition, the zoo strengthened its educational role by offering ecological interpretation sessions and animal behavior explanation programs for visitors, moving beyond simple viewing to foster understanding of animals' ecology and conservation value. In 2022, for the first time since opening, the zoo also adopted a regular closure system to focus on animal rest and health management, accompanied by a comprehensive revision of related ordinances.

◆ Promoting Relocation and Expansion to the Sangrakwon Area

The current zoo, located on steep slopes near the Jinyangho Observatory, faces limitations in improving long-term animal welfare and meeting legal standards due to restricted space and topographical constraints.

To address this, Jinju City officially announced in March 2023 a plan to relocate Jinyangho Zoo to the Sangrakwon area, a hilly site near the Seojinju IC. The new zoo will prioritize expanding space per animal and creating an ecological environment centered on animal needs, rather than simply increasing the number and species of animals. The city also plans to strengthen the protection of endangered and natural monument species, as well as conservation and environmental education functions.

At the same time, Jinju City continues to operate and manage the existing zoo to ensure uninterrupted service to citizens and visitors throughout the relocation preparation process.

The Jinyangho Zoo relocation project entered full-scale implementation after passing the central investment review by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety in 2024, following completion of the feasibility study. The basic design is currently underway, and the project aims to reopen in 2028.

Jinju City, Elephant Photo from May 1993

◆ Expanding the Public Role of the Public Zoo

Jinju City has overcome the threat of closure by forging an agreement with Asahiyama Zoo, Japan's top zoo, to share an animal welfare philosophy based on behavioral enrichment and to cooperate on technical advice and personnel exchanges.

The city is also collaborating with other KAZA member zoos, shifting from animal purchasing to a free lending system for animal exchanges, thereby operating in a way that meets animal welfare standards such as species conservation and adequate enclosure space.

In addition, Jinju City works with the Gyeongnam Wildlife Center at Gyeongsang National University to strengthen rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation functions. For instance, the zoo has adopted and cared for animals such as the leopard cat and mandarin duck rescued by the National Institute of Ecology, while also cooperating with environmental groups to provide expert advice and run programs, thereby expanding the public role of the zoo.

After the relocation, the current site will be redeveloped as a themed, stay-type space that minimizes environmental damage. This approach aims to maximize the overall use of Jinyangho Park, maintain connectivity with existing tourist routes, and reorganize park functions to further vitalize local tourism.

An official from Jinju City stated, "The Jinyangho Zoo relocation project is more than just a facility transfer; it is a process of redefining the role of a public zoo. We will continue to transition into a future-oriented ecological zoo that strengthens animal welfare, education, and conservation functions."

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