Seoul Grand Park Decides to Transfer Siblings Chimpanzees Gwangbok and Gwansun to Daman Safari
Animal Protection Groups Suggest Considering Other Transfer Locations
[Asia Economy Intern Reporter Kim Nayeon] Controversy has arisen over Seoul Grand Park's decision to transfer two chimpanzees to an Indonesian zoo.
According to Seoul Grand Park on the 8th, the park decided to transfer the sibling chimpanzees Gwangbok (born in 2009) and Gwansun (born in 2012), which are currently being raised, to Taman Safari, an Indonesian zoo.
The park stated, "Gwangbok and Gwansun have not adapted to integration with other chimpanzee groups in the enclosure and have been living in cages behind the enclosure. For their welfare, we decided to transfer them."
However, animal protection groups and some citizens have voiced opposition. The reason is that Taman Safari has previously been exposed for issues such as intoxicating animals with drugs to use them for photo-taking experiences or abusing them.
According to the Animal Welfare Research Institute Aware, animal protection groups proposed during a meeting with the park to halt the transfer of the chimpanzees, improve the facilities to continue raising them, seek alternative transfer locations, and suggested establishing guidelines for future animal import and export standards.
In response, the park agreed to establish transfer guidelines but decided to proceed with the transfer of Gwangbok and Gwansun as soon as the quarantine procedures are completed.
Following this stance, about 30 citizens who voluntarily gathered held a rally at Seoul Grand Park in Gwacheon on the same day, demanding the park withdraw the transfer decision.
The participants stated, "We cannot send Gwangbok and Gwansun to a place where the entire space treats animals not as living beings but as money-making tools," and added, "If it is a public zoo operated with citizens' taxes, it must listen to the voices of the citizens."
The park explained regarding this matter, "Taman Safari has a good climate and a spacious enclosure, providing an excellent environment for chimpanzees living in groups," and added, "None of the chimpanzees at the safari perform, and we have received a formal letter promising that Gwangbok and Gwansun will not perform either."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
