Where Pungsan Dogs Gifted by North Korea Live... Gwangju Uchi Zoo Inspected Amid Panda Proposal

Mayor Kang Gijeong Visits Uchi Zoo to Review Operations

As President Lee Jaemyung requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to introduce pandas to Gwangju Uchi Zoo, the Gwangju city government has launched an emergency inspection.

According to the Gwangju Metropolitan Government on January 11, Mayor Kang Gijeong visited Uchi Zoo in Buk-gu the previous day to check on its operations, the composition of veterinary staff, and two candidate sites for the panda enclosure. The visit aimed to comprehensively review the zoo's animal care environment, medical system, and overall level of animal welfare.

The city of Gwangju stated that while the introduction of pandas has not yet been finalized, it is proceeding with careful consideration based on the principle that, if the project goes ahead, animal welfare and conservation systems must meet international standards.

Louisbao and Huibao, who continue their independent lives at the Everland "Panda Second House" in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Yonhap News

Uchi Zoo is one of only two national hub zoos in South Korea and was designated as such last year after on-site inspections recognized its expertise in veterinary care. Since its designation, the zoo has expanded its public role by providing specialized medical care not only for animals at the Gwangju indoor zoo but also for those in regions with limited medical infrastructure, such as Jeju, Yeosu, and Haenam. Last year, the zoo received the Excellence Award at the 7th Animal Welfare Awards and was selected as an outstanding institution by the Korea Zoo and Aquarium Association for two consecutive years.

Uchi Zoo is home to 667 animals of 89 species, including tigers, bears, mammals, birds, and reptiles. Among them are 98 individuals of 43 endangered species and 66 individuals of 7 natural monuments. The zoo also protects and manages animals such as leopard cats that cannot return to the wild due to disabilities, as well as endangered species confiscated from illegal smuggling, through its Wildlife Rescue Center. The zoo employs 14 animal keepers, 2 veterinarians, and 1 assistant veterinarian.

Gwangju Mayor Kang Gijeong visited Buchu Zoo in Buk-gu on the morning of the 10th to inspect the candidate site and zoo operations related to the 'Giant Panda Introduction'. Gwangju Metropolitan City

Gomi and Songgang, Pungsan dogs gifted to former President Moon Jae-in by North Korean Chairman Kim Jong Un after the inter-Korean summit, are also housed at Uchi Zoo. The zoo also has experience in caring for and treating Asiatic black bears, a species related to pandas.

Mayor Kang Gijeong stated, "Introducing pandas will mark a new leap forward in boosting tourism and promoting international exchange," adding, "We will mobilize all the capabilities of our national hub zoo."

Meanwhile, on January 7, President Lee Jaemyung proposed to President Xi during a state banquet, "To foster mutual prosperity as close neighbors, please lease a pair of pandas to Gwangju Uchi Zoo, the second national hub zoo in Korea." President Xi reportedly did not provide a specific response at the time.