Mayor Kang Gijeong Visits Uchi Zoo to Review Operations
As President Lee Jaemyung requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to introduce giant pandas to Gwangju's 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 the zoo’s operations, the composition of veterinary personnel, and two candidate sites for panda enclosures. This was part of a comprehensive review of the zoo’s animal care environment, medical system, and overall animal welfare standards.
The city stated that while the introduction of pandas has not yet been confirmed, it is conducting a careful review under the principle that, if the plan moves forward, the zoo must establish animal welfare and conservation systems that 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. It 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 in Gwangju’s indoor zoo but also for animals 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 mammals, birds, and reptiles such as tigers and bears. This includes 98 individuals from 43 endangered species and 66 individuals from 7 natural monuments. The zoo also protects and manages animals that have been rescued by the Wildlife Rescue Center but cannot return to the wild due to disabilities, as well as endangered species that have been illegally smuggled. 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, the Pungsan dogs gifted to former President Moon Jae-in by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the inter-Korean summit, are also living at Uchi Zoo. The zoo also has experience in caring for and treating Asiatic black bears, a bear species like pandas.
Mayor Kang Gijeong stated, "The introduction of pandas will mark a new leap forward, encompassing tourism revitalization and international exchange," adding, "We will mobilize all the capabilities of the national hub zoo."
Meanwhile, at a state banquet with President Xi on January 7, President Lee Jaemyung proposed, "To promote mutual prosperity as close neighbors with China, please consider lending a pair of pandas to Gwangju Uchi Zoo, the second national hub zoo." At the time, President Xi reportedly did not provide a specific response.
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