Rescue Operation Unfolds at Bukyeong Zoo... 'Galbi Lion' Father and Daughter Reunite

Promotion of Health Checkups and Animal Transport with Cheongju Zoo Cooperation
Prospect of Reunion Between Lion and Daughter After Moving Due to Abuse Controversy

Animals remaining at Bukyeong Zoo, which was criticized for poor breeding conditions and eventually closed at the end of November last year, are set to be transferred to a safe location.

A white tiger at Busan-Gyeongnam Animal Park undergoing a health checkup.
[Image source=Gimhae-si]

On the 26th, Gimhae City in Gyeongnam announced that it would conduct a thorough health examination of the animals at Bukyeong Zoo, which has ceased operations, and transfer them to a safe place. Bukyeong Zoo was the place where the "Galbi Lion," who lived lonely and emaciated in a narrow indoor cement cage, stayed before moving to Cheongju Zoo. The daughter of "Baram," the Galbi Lion, is also expected to relocate in this transfer. Baram, who moved to the public Cheongju Zoo in June last year, will be reunited with her daughter.

On the 22nd, Gimhae City, with cooperation from Cheongju City and the Korean Association of Zoo and Aquarium Veterinarians, conducted health check-ups on 15 animals remaining at the zoo, including a white tiger. Four veterinarians from Cheongju Zoo and eight veterinary students participated in the medical volunteer activities on-site.

In particular, the health condition of the female white tiger, who lived with the male tiger that died earlier this year at the zoo, was the most important focus of this examination. The inspection team conducted dental X-rays and cardiac ultrasounds to check the white tiger’s nutritional status and presence of diseases. As a result, it was confirmed that the white tiger has a heart condition and requires continuous medication and management.

After this examination, the city plans to transfer all animals except snakes to Cheongju Zoo. This is to ensure that the animals remaining at Bukyeong Zoo receive proper care and management at Cheongju Zoo until their final adoption locations are decided. The city has obtained consent from Bukyeong Zoo and is conducting practical consultations among related organizations. The two snakes, which will not move to Cheongju Zoo, are reported to be going to a zoo operated by the Bukyeong Zoo representative in Daegu.

The city expects that the transfer of animals could take place as early as March. However, the specific schedule will be finalized through consultations with Cheongju City, Bukyeong Zoo, and private animal protection groups such as the Busan Animal Abuse Prevention Association. The city has expressed its commitment to actively support the animals to live in better environments.

Meanwhile, Bukyeong Zoo, established in 2013 as the only private zoo in Gyeongnam, suspended operations in August last year due to financial difficulties and had its registration canceled in November. At one time, about 600 animals, including wild beasts and large animals, lived there. However, it faced financial hardship due to COVID-19 and eventually closed last year amid controversies such as the "Galbi Lion" incident. Baram, who had earlier moved to Cheongju Zoo, is now reportedly adapting well to the new environment in a healthy condition with a good weight gain.