Building a Brighter Future for Captive Wild Animal Welfare in South Korea
A pivotal animal welfare movement is now underway in South Korea, thanks to organisations such as Wild Welfare, a leading international nonprofit charity dedicated to improving the welfare of captive wild animals. Recent efforts to improve the lives of captive animals through stricter zoo licensing regulations and enhanced welfare standards are starting to shape a brighter future for captive animals across the country.
Wild Welfare, in partnership with Gong Zone, a prominent Korean animal welfare NGO, have assisted in the development of these brand new zoo standards and licensing procedures.
An Animal Cafe in South Korea
The 2023 revision of South Korea’s Animal Protection Act introduced further requirements for zoos to meet higher standards of animal care. Initially, some of these changes were driven by public concerns around health, particularly as many of South Korean zoos were small, indoor facilities in city centres and shopping malls. The popularity of animal cafes also increased within the country, with many holding wild animals in unsuitable conditions, leading to welfare issues and poor health. The Korean Government decided to address these concerns and introduce measures to protect animals and the public. In response, some of these cafes pivoted their business model towards becoming small zoos, thus bypassing many of the new restrictions. This ultimately did not address many of the underlying animal welfare concerns. In response, the Korean Government and local NGOs reached out to Wild Welfare for guidance on strengthening existing legislation and to create a zoo licensing scheme focused on animal welfare.
“We’re very proud of the progress our partners have made so far in South Korea,” said Simon Marsh, Director of Wild Welfare. “These new regulations are the first building blocks towards setting a higher standard for animal care and protection in South Korea.”
Simon visits a partner zoo in South Korea.
Public concern for animal welfare in Korea has been increasing year on year, a key driving force behind the initiation of these positive changes. Thanks to the support of organisations such as Wild Welfare, South Korea has now established fundamental laws governing zoo operations, setting clear guidelines for enclosure requirements, animal care, and limits relating to visitor interactions.
While there is plenty to celebrate, ensuring that all zoos meet these new higher standards of care remains a difficult and logistical challenge. One year on since Wild Welfare helped to develop the zoo licensing standards and procedures for South Korea, the charity is posed to return to South Korea, this time to assist with the continual training of zoo licensing inspectors. “Ensuring captive wild animal facilities are achieving the required standard and checking to ensure that zoo licensing legislation is enforced and applied correctly is a crucial aspect of any successful zoo licensing process.” Explained Wild Welfare Director, Simon Marsh. Wild Welfare has trained inspectors and auditors in many countries around the globe as part of their strategy to improve animal welfare for all captive wild animals.
These positive strides towards a compassionate and sustainable future for animal welfare in South Korea are in part thanks to Wild Welfare’s collaboration and expert guidance. “We’re grateful for the support of the South Korean government, Gong Zone, and all the individuals who have contributed to this important initiative,” said Simon. “Together, we’ve taken a significant first step towards ensuring that animals in South Korean zoos receive the care and quality of life they deserve.”
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Notes to Editors
For more information or interview requests please contact Wild Welfare on communications@wildwelfare.org
Wild Welfare is a global organisation committed to improving animal welfare for captive wild animals. By uniting the world’s leading zoos, zoo associations and animal welfare organisations, we build trusting partnerships that help provide long-term solutions to critical wild animal welfare issues.
Our vision is to end the suffering of captive wild animals around the world and ensure full and sustainable protection is given to all animals in human care. Find out more at wildwelfare.org. Registered charity in England (no.1165941).
