"Pandas to Gwangju?" Mayor Kang Gijeong Inspects Uchi Zoo Site

Comprehensive Review of Husbandry, Veterinary Care, and Welfare Conditions at the National Base Zoo
Careful Consideration of International Standards Before Panda Introduction is Confirmed

On January 10, Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong visited Uchi Zoo, a national base zoo, to inspect the site conditions related to the introduction of giant pandas.

This visit was conducted to comprehensively review the animal husbandry environment, medical system, and animal welfare standards at Uchi Zoo, following President Lee Jaemyung's request to the Chinese side for additional panda introductions during the Korea-China summit.

In March 2024, at the indoor enclosure of Panda World in Everland, Yongin, Fubao was seen holding a bamboo doll. Photo by The Asia Business Daily

Mayor Kang checked the current status of zoo operations, the composition of specialized personnel, and the progress of ecological zoo facility improvements. He also inspected two candidate sites for the installation of panda breeding facilities.

The Gwangju city government stated that the introduction of pandas has not yet been confirmed. If the process moves forward, the city maintains the principle of carefully reviewing the matter based on animal welfare and conservation systems that meet international standards.

Uchi Zoo is one of only two national base zoos in South Korea. Last year, it was recognized for its expertise in veterinary care through on-site inspections. Since its designation, the zoo has expanded its public role by providing specialized veterinary care to animals in regions with limited medical infrastructure, such as Gwangju's indoor zoo, Jeju, Yeosu, and Haenam.

The zoo also protects and manages animals such as leopard cats, which have been rescued by the Wildlife Rescue Center but cannot return to the wild, as well as endangered species that were illegally smuggled. Uchi Zoo is recognized for fulfilling its public function as a national base zoo. Based on these achievements, Uchi Zoo received the Excellence Award at the "7th Korea Animal Welfare Awards 2025" hosted by the National Assembly Animal Welfare Forum. It was also selected as an excellent animal welfare institution by the Korea Zoo and Aquarium Association for two consecutive years.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong visited Uchi Zoo in Buk-gu on the morning of the 10th, toured the candidate site for the giant panda enclosure, and posed with the staff. Photo by Gwangju City

The zoo also has experience in caring for and treating Asiatic black bears, which, like pandas, belong to the bear family. It is currently managing four Asiatic black bears rescued from farms that illegally bred bears for bile extraction. The zoo has accumulated experience in managing the health of hand-reared individuals and treating diseases in elderly bears. In collaboration with the College of Veterinary Medicine at Chonbuk National University, the zoo is also conducting species conservation research, including sperm collection and preservation.

The zoo continues to achieve results in the treatment of endangered species, such as performing the world's first titanium prosthetic beak surgery on a parrot and successfully conducting the first neutering surgery on a red-tailed boa in Korea.

Mayor Kang stated, "The introduction of pandas could mark a new leap for Uchi Zoo, encompassing tourism revitalization and international exchange. Based on the expertise in veterinary care and species conservation accumulated as a national base zoo, we will closely examine directions that align with animal welfare and international standards." He added, "We will approach this carefully to ensure it contributes not only to exhibition but also to animal conservation and international cooperation."