Ban on Displaying Live Wild Animals Outside Zoos and Aquariums

From December 14, Wildlife Exhibition Facilities Subject to

Existing Exhibitor Registration, 4-Year Exhibition Ban Grace Period

Ulsan City will begin cracking down on the exhibition or touching of wild animals in facilities other than zoos and aquariums. Existing zoos or exhibition facilities can apply for a suspension of the exhibition ban through a reporting procedure.

Ulsan City announced on the 27th that from December 14, wild animal cafes and wild animal sales facilities will be prohibited from exhibiting live wild animals.

The exhibition of wild animals is only allowed in zoos and aquariums that are permitted and registered according to the amendment of the "Wildlife Protection and Management Act." However, some animals such as pets, livestock, aquatic and marine animals, and certain species like parrots, turtles, and non-venomous snakes are exempted.

Accordingly, wild animal exhibitors as of the announcement of the law amendment (December 13, 2022) who report their wild animal exhibition status to Ulsan City by December 13 will be granted a suspension of the exhibition ban for the reported animals until December 13, 2027.

Violating the related regulations by exhibiting wild animals will result in imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of up to 20 million KRW.

Additionally, acts such as riding on the animals, allowing visitors to touch them, or feeding them are prohibited, and violations will incur fines of up to 5 million KRW.

Detailed information on the wild animal exhibition ban system and the reporting method for existing wild animal exhibition facilities can be found on the Ulsan City website.

An official from Ulsan City stated, “We hope that businesses exhibiting live wild animals, such as wild animal cafes that are not zoos or aquariums, will voluntarily report within the period to avoid disadvantages due to non-reporting.”