'Ribs bone lion' Citizens who donated 10 million won for feed to the zoo

Recently, a story emerged about citizens raising 10 million won in donation funds to provide food for the animals that are still present in the zoo, which had suspended operations due to controversies over animal abuse including the 'rib bone lion'.

On the 23rd, 7 boxes of frozen chicken along with 120kg of fruits and vegetables such as watermelon, bananas, carrots, and sweet potatoes, were delivered to the Bugyeong Zoo in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do. The one-week supply of food and hay provided on this day was arranged with funds collected by 'Busan Animal Cruelty Prevention Association' and citizens nationwide.

Busan Animal Cruelty Prevention Association, which recently exposed the dire situation at Bugyeong Zoo, posted a message on their social media on the 14th titled 'Urgent Need for Feed due to Suspension of Bugyeong Zoo Operations.' The organization stated "Even though Bugyeong Zoo has suspended its operations, it is difficult to relocate the animals to other places immediately. Even before, the animals were suffering due to insufficient feeding caused by financial difficulties. With the feed supply still not smooth, there is an increased likelihood that they will be left to starve in the future.

The Association continued 'The zoo authorities have also requested assistance. We wish to rescue all the remaining animals and send them to better places, so we are considering using the raised funds to purchase feed.' They then revealed the donation account information.

According to the organization, approximately 10 million won was collected in just two days after the fundraising began. Currently, the fundraising has been halted. Kim Ae-ra, the representative of Busan Animal Cruelty Prevention Association, stated "We have temporarily closed the donations because we don't know when or how the situation at the zoo will change. We will assess the situation and, if necessary, plan to raise more funds in the future."

In the photo sent by Representative Kim Ae-ra to <News Penguin>, there are animals such as a black panther and a white tiger eating their food.

Bugyeong Zoo is a privately-owned zoo that previously mired in controversy due to its dire conditions where an emaciated lion named the 'Rib Bone Lion' was exposed with its rib bones visible. This lion was later relocated to Cheongju Zoo, where the environment is better, and it received a new name, 'Baram'. However, the closure sentiment towards the zoo intensified when images of the daughter of Baram, a 4-year-old lioness, being kept in the place Baram had left behind were revealed.

The zoo suspended its operations on the 12th. The zoo's stance is to sell the remaining animals and then permanently close. Currently, there are over 60 animals of around 30 different species, including lions, tigers, black panthers, raccoon dogs, and monkeys, residing in this zoo.

The organization plans to enter the zoo every Wednesday from now on to provide food. According to Kim Ae-ra, the representative, the monthly cost of food for Bugyeong Zoo is approximately 5 million won, so with the accumulated donations collected so far, they can send food for about two months.

Kim Ae-ra, the representative, stated "Nowadays, zoos are considered as declining industry, and as they close one by one, the number of animals with nowhere to go is increasing. However, animals are treated as property, so we have limited authority to intervene. Instead, it would be better if the government or local authorities could establish wildlife sanctuaries that suit the animals' habit to protect the remaining animals."