[Comprehensive] "Neglected Without Water"... Daegu City Requests Police Investigation into Suspected Animal Abuse at Zoo

Daegu City Zoo Closed, Animals Neglected and Abused
Police Investigation Requested and Administrative Actions for Legal Violations
Plans to Relocate, Isolate, and Protect Animals in Possession

A monkey holding a carrot given by the informant in a breeding farm covered with icicles, and another monkey licking water flowing on the ground. Photo by Informant, captured from a blog post.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-eun] Recently, allegations of neglect and abuse of animals have been raised at a zoo in Daegu, sparking controversy. On the 7th, Daegu City announced that it has requested a police investigation into the zoo. Following this, on-site inspections and strong administrative actions are expected, along with improvements to the breeding facilities and the relocation of the animals to other facilities.

On the 2nd, Beagle Rescue Network (Bigu Association) raised suspicions of animal abuse at a zoo located in Dalseong-gun, Daegu, which has been closed since November last year. They alleged that the zoo failed to properly supply drinking water and feed to the animals, left them in enclosures so cold that icicles formed, and even hanged some animals to death.

The Bigu Association explained, "The animals spent over a year in hellish conditions in enclosures covered with excrement. The zoo, located halfway up a high mountain, had its electricity and water cut off."

In response, Daegu City conducted an on-site inspection of the zoo on the 2nd and 3rd and reported suspected animal abuse, including goat carcasses, to the local police station on the 5th. Additionally, violations of laws such as failure to implement the management plan for held organisms submitted during exhibition facility and closure notifications will be further investigated, with plans for strong administrative measures including orders and fines.

A camel left in an enclosure without water, foaming at the mouth. Photo by Informant, captured from a blog post.

On the 6th, citizen rescue volunteer groups supported the zoo by cleaning the environment and arranging feed donations. They are expected to provide continuous administrative support to improve the environment for the remaining animals until their relocation, including daily checks on feeding and cleaning.

After receiving the report, the Bigu Association visited the zoo for over 20 days last month to plan rescues, deploying personnel and providing sufficient feed and drinking water to the animals. Furthermore, Yoo Young-jae, the representative of the Bigu Association, told Asia Economy in a phone interview, "According to the Animal Protection Act, we plan to protect the abused animals through isolation measures," and stated plans to take custody and manage the animals.

The zoo, which is closed until May 31 due to financial difficulties caused by COVID-19, had relocated most of its animals to other facilities last year. However, it has been confirmed that 13 individuals of 5 species, including camels, monkeys, raccoons, and goats, still remain at the zoo.

Among these animals, goats and sheep will be relocated to facilities with better environments around the upcoming Lunar New Year. Camels and Japanese macaques, which are difficult to move immediately, will be relocated as soon as possible through continuous consultation with related agencies and the zoo.

Photo by Cheongwadae National Petition Board Capture

Previously, a whistleblower living near the zoo reported that since March last year, before the closure, there was no manager at the zoo. The whistleblower reportedly cared for the neglected animals for over 10 months. The Bigu Association stated that the whistleblower carried drinking water and moved feed and fruit boxes to supply water to the animals living halfway up the mountain, caring for the neglected animals.

Meanwhile, the zoo denied the abuse allegations, claiming that staff managed and cared for the animals. Relatedly, on the 3rd, a petition titled "Animals are dying due to neglect and disregard by the zoo managers. Please investigate the zoo and help the animals" was posted on the Blue House National Petition Board, gaining over 40,000 signatures as of 8 a.m. on the 8th, fueling public outrage.