'Animal Abuse Controversy' Gimhae Bugyeong Zoo Finally Closes Its Doors

"Situation is Difficult"... Operation Suspended from the 12th
Complaints to Gimhae City over 'Galbi-bone Lion'

The Bukyung Zoo in Bukyung-dong, Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam, which had faced calls for closure from citizens due to controversies such as animal abuse and poor management, is finally closing its doors.

On the 11th, Gimhae City announced that Bukyung Zoo informed them of its intention to suspend operations starting from the 12th. Bukyung Zoo is the only private zoo in Gyeongnam. Prior to the closure, the zoo’s representative conveyed to Gimhae City that due to the worsening situation of the zoo and the deteriorating public perception, they would stop opening the zoo to the public from the 12th.

The daughter of 'Rib Lion' Barami at Bukyung Zoo. She is a 4-year-old female lion.
[Photo by Gimhae City Hall website free board capture]

Located in Juchon-myeon, Gimhae City, Bukyung Zoo opened 10 years ago in 2013. At the time of its opening, it enjoyed great popularity as family visitors from Gimhae City and nearby Changwon City flocked to the zoo. However, over time, the facilities aged, and with a sharp decline in visitors due to COVID-19, operations became difficult. The zoo’s opening predates the enactment of the "Act on Zoos and Aquariums," which regulates the permits and management of zoos and aquariums. However, as social awareness of animal welfare increased, Bukyung Zoo’s small area, concrete floors, and prison-like exhibition facilities drew much criticism.

The controversy particularly ignited over a 19-year-old male lion known as the "Rib Lion." In early June, the "Requests to the Mayor of Gimhae" section on the Gimhae City Hall website was flooded with complaints and criticism alleging neglect of animals at Bukyung Zoo. Complainants posted photos of the lion so emaciated that its ribs were prominently visible, demanding the zoo’s closure. In response, Bukyung Zoo explained that due to the sharp decline in visitors caused by COVID-19, they had been unable to properly care for the animals recently but denied ever starving them.

The appearance of Barami (19) during their stay at Bukyeong Zoo in Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam.
[Photo by Gimhae City Hall·Yonhap News]

Subsequently, in July, the lion was transferred to Cheongju Zoo, a municipal zoo operated by Cheongju City, where it was given the name "Barami." Since then, Barami has regained health, showing a robust appetite and enjoying walking on soil. However, after Barami’s relocation, Bukyung Zoo further worsened public opinion by placing Barami’s 4-year-old female daughter, who had been raised in an outdoor enclosure, into an empty indoor cage.

On the 5th of last month, an old lion named 'Barami' was being placed in a cage and transported from Bugyeong Zoo in Gimhae-si, Gyeongnam to Cheongju Zoo.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Currently, the zoo houses about 100 animals of over 30 species, including lions, black leopards, tigers, and monkeys, both indoors and outdoors.