The South Korean Ministry of Environment has designated the Cheongju Zoo in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, as the nation’s first regional hub zoo. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 10 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean Ministry of Environment announced on May 9 that it has designated the Cheongju Zoo in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, as the nation’s first regional hub zoo.
The concept of a hub zoo was newly introduced along with a licensing system for zoos when the Act on the Management of Zoos and Aquariums took effect on December 14, 2022.
As a hub zoo, the Cheongju Zoo will assume responsibilities such as providing education and promoting awareness to enhance animal care capabilities, supporting animal disease and safety management, and operating species conservation and breeding programs. It will also receive necessary funding from the government.
Amid concerns over the welfare and substandard management of animals displayed in zoos, the hub zoo will share its diverse experiences with the animal exhibition industry on how to properly care for and improve the well-being of animals.
After a site inspection conducted by wildlife experts from the Ministry of Environment on April 22, the Cheongju Zoo was found to meet all the facility and personnel requirements for a hub zoo as specified in the Act on the Management of Zoos and Aquariums.
The Ministry of Environment plans to successively designate regional hub zoos in other areas, including the greater Seoul metropolitan area, the Honam region, and the Yeongnam region, following the selection of the Cheongju Zoo.
“We hope that the exemplary practices of the Cheongju Zoo will spread to other zoos,” said Kim Tae-oh, the director-general of the Natural Conservation Bureau at the Ministry of Environment. “Through various support activities, we aim to advance the entire zoo industry and improve animal welfare.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
