Emaciated Lion with Visible Ribs... Complaints Flood Gimhae Zoo

Citizens "Provide Minimum Environment for Animals"
Gimhae City Officials "No Issues with Animal Health"
"Requesting Review for Relocation and Closure of Zoo"

Recently, numerous complaints have been pouring in regarding a zoo in Gimhae City, Gyeongnam Province, urging its closure due to "inadequate management of the captive animals." As the controversy grew, the city announced that it is "requesting the zoo to consider relocation or closure."

On the Gimhae City Hall website's 'Wishes to the Mayor of Gimhae,' posts criticizing animal abuse at the zoo have been continuously uploaded this month. Citizens who posted these messages pointed out the condition of a lion so emaciated that its ribs were visible and sheep with completely neglected fur, demanding the zoo be shut down.

A photo of a very thin lion posted on the Gimhae City Hall's "Wishes to the Mayor" bulletin board. [Image source=Gimhae City Hall's "Wishes to the Mayor" bulletin board]

One netizen posted a message titled "Please come up with measures," stating, "Capturing wild animals out of human selfishness and turning them into spectacles is already animal abuse." They emphasized, "If unavoidable, an ecological environment where animals can live without suffering must be provided."

They also expressed sorrow, saying, "People go crazy feeling suffocated even after being confined in a room for just a day or two due to COVID-19 isolation; how must the animals' lives be?" and added, "Currently, this zoo is extremely tragic."

Gimhae City: "Requesting the zoo to consider relocation or closure"

Unmanaged wool. [Image source=Gimhae City Hall 'Wishes to the Mayor' bulletin board]

As complaints about the zoo continued, the city responded on the 13th through the mass complaint response board, stating, "We are requesting the zoo to consider relocation or closure."

The city explained, "The zoo is in poor condition regarding breeding environment and management due to financial difficulties," and added, "We conduct monthly guidance and inspections with a commissioned veterinarian, and recent inspections found no particular abnormalities in the animals' health."

They continued, "However, some elderly animals, such as old male lions, are thin and confined in small enclosures," and explained, "Considering the practical difficulties for the zoo to improve its facilities, we are requesting that they consider relocation or closure."

Furthermore, the city stated, "Since this is a privately owned zoo, the city cannot enforce forced closure or similar measures," and added, "If the zoo closes without any alternatives, significant issues regarding animal safety may follow."

Finally, the city announced, "We are urging the zoo to decide as soon as possible whether it can continue operations, and we will continue expert health assessments to ensure animal safety."

Meanwhile, this zoo, which opened in 2013, houses about 100 animals of over 30 species, including lions, tigers, and monkeys, both indoors and outdoors. It is the only private zoo in Gyeongnam and was once popular, but visitor numbers sharply declined between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19.