Emaciated 'Galbi Saja' Moves to New Home by Air-Conditioned Vehicle

Born in 2004, a lion... about 100 years old in human age
Transferred to Cheongju Zoo with an elderly animal enclosure

The lion at Bukyeong Zoo in Gimhae, which had raised suspicions of neglect due to being so emaciated that its ribs were visible, is set to be moved to a new home.

On the 16th, a representative from Cheongju Zoo in Chungbuk visited Bukyeong Zoo in Gimhae, where the old lion is kept, to check on the lion's condition and discuss transfer methods. The lion will be transported to Cheongju in a vibration-free vehicle equipped with air conditioning.

Cheongju Zoo is a municipal zoo operated by Cheongju City, with a wildlife enclosure for animals that have nowhere else to go or are elderly. Currently, two old lions, a male and a female, live at Cheongju Zoo.

An old lion born in 2004 at Bukyeong Zoo in Gimhae, Gyeongnam. Cheongju Zoo in Chungbuk has taken this lion from the poorly equipped Bukyeong Zoo to allow it to spend the rest of its life there. The photo shows a veterinarian from Cheongju Zoo checking the condition of the old lion at Bukyeong Zoo in Gimhae.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, Bukyeong Zoo was embroiled in controversy over animal abuse. Earlier this month, complaints and criticisms about the neglect of zoo animals were posted on the Gimhae City Hall website under "Requests to the Mayor of Gimhae." Photos of the lion, so thin that its ribs were prominently visible, were uploaded, leading to calls for the zoo's closure.

The Bukyeong Zoo explained that due to a sharp decline in visitors caused by COVID-19 until recently, they were unable to properly care for the animals but denied ever starving them.

The male lion was born in 2004, which is close to 100 years old in human age.

Bukyeong Zoo is a private zoo located in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, opened in 2013, and houses about 100 animals of over 30 species including lions, tigers, and monkeys.