Cheongju Zoo is located in Myeongam-dong, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju. The residents call Myeongam-dong 'Beombakgol'.

It is because there is a legend that tigers used to roam this area. It is even more interesting because it is closely associated with the zoo. Although it is not used in the official address, it is a fairly familiar name among local residents.

You have dedicated over 20 years to animal welfare at Cheongju Zoo. I am curious to know what the perception of zoos was like when you first started working.

Cheongju Zoo opened in 1997. When I first visited, there were as many as 130 species of animals living there. I recall being deeply disappointed at the time, seeing so many animals confined in cramped spaces with nowhere to hide. To put it bluntly, I thought to myself, "To the animals, this place must feel like a prison." After all, it was a space designed to prioritize the convenience of visitors over consideration for the animals' perspective. That was the environment of the zoo 20 years ago, but we have gradually recognized these issues and have been making efforts to change them.

It would be important for zoos to find a harmonious balance between viewing and animal welfare.

Of course, as viewing is one of the functions of a zoo, we cannot exclude it entirely. However, as a professional working at Cheongju Zoo, I believe my role is to find a balance that benefits both the animals and the people. Focusing solely on the animals would, in a way, be closer to the concept of a sanctuary. While this place aims for animal protection, it is ultimately a zoo, so I believe it is more meaningful to make gradual changes to improve the given environment.

"Sanctuary" is also the title of a documentary film starring a veterinarian that was released in 2024. Before that, a documentary titled "Animals, the Garden" was also released. I am curious about what kind of issues led you to make these documentary films.

Both films are documentaries shot at Cheongju Zoo. Director Wang Min-cheol, who made the films, was originally opposed to zoos, but through a twist of fate, he ended up filming a documentary set at Cheongju Zoo. I suggested that he film the back area where the zookeepers come and go to care for the animals. Zoos aren't just filled with cute and healthy animals; some are sick or frail. In the past, such animals were hidden in back spaces out of public view. Even now, many zoos still have these hidden areas. It is uncomfortable, isn't it? For both the animals and the visitors. However, since they are living beings, I believe we must take responsibility for them from birth through illness and death. Showing only the good side without taking responsibility is actually the real problem.

I felt that *Animals, the Zoo*, released in 2019, was an important work that first raised awareness about the issues surrounding the Cheongju Zoo. What kind of impact did it actually have?

"Sanctuary" is the sequel to "Animals, Zoo." After "Animals, Zoo" was released in about 30 theaters nationwide, we held a preview screening in Cheongju as well. We invited many people involved with animals and zoos to that event. Many attendees, including the Mayor of Cheongju, officials from the Ministry of Environment, and city council members, watched the film and came to understand the poor living conditions of the animals. Thanks to the screening, government funding to improve the animals' living environments was expanded, and Cheongju Zoo was transformed into its current state.

What changes have occurred at Cheongju Zoo since then?

Zoos are confined spaces where animals live in tight conditions. When the population declines, we do not replace the same species with new ones; instead, we allow the remaining animals to utilize the space more extensively. This naturally expands the animal enclosures where the animals live. In 2024, we were designated as the nation's first Hub Zoo by the Ministry of Environment. Hub Zoos play various roles as central institutions for improving animal welfare and conserving biodiversity, and I believe this is the result of the efforts Cheongju Zoo has made for animal welfare to date.

The animals seemed to be living comfortably and leisurely in a spacious environment. In contrast, there are many zoos where the animals look sick.

Everyone visits a zoo at least once when they are young. Unless you live with a pet at home, the zoo is often the first place where you encounter animals. I believe the zoo is the place where children first learn how to treat animals. There is likely a difference between children facing sick animals in poor conditions and those that are not, and in that sense, zoos play a very important social role. They should be places where people can feel and learn, even just a little, the preciousness of life and nature.

Cheongju Zoo also has a 'Human Pavilion.' I heard that visitors can actually go inside.

This was originally a space where lynxes lived, but it became an empty area after the lynxes were moved to a better location. Demolishing it would have been quite expensive. So, instead of getting rid of it, we decided to create a "Human Viewpoint" to provide an opportunity to view things from the animals' perspective. I thought it would be a chance to think of humans as Homo sapiens, a species of animal. The core idea is that animals and humans can coexist. I believe that if either animals or humans become unhappy, this ecosystem—and the world—cannot be sustained for long. Whether it is nature or people, they are bound to rebel.

You have a particular interest in wildlife and actually perform many rescues. I am curious to know what your thoughts are on wild animals, having spent a long time rescuing and protecting them.

Wild animals are animals without guardians. As Cheongju Zoo is a municipal zoo, I believe we have a role to play as a public institution in caring for these animals. In particular, there are many wild animals in the region, including Cheongju and the Chungbuk area. I feel a sense of duty to rescue and protect animals like Barami, who was abused as a lion for experiential purposes.

Having worked here for a long time, you must be well aware of the charms of Cheongju Zoo. What do you consider to be the unique strengths of Cheongju Zoo?

It is the fact that it is small yet strong. Large zoos have many systems and structures. On the other hand, because Cheongju Zoo is small in scale, it is relatively easier to pursue change. Speed is certainly energy. After improving animal welfare, the number of visitors to Cheongju Zoo increased significantly. I hope that this change does not stop at our zoo but serves as an opportunity to improve the welfare of zoos and animals in this land, and furthermore, wildlife.

When do you feel a particular sense of reward while working at Cheongju Zoo?

Cheongju Zoo has gradually become known as a hub zoo that prioritizes animal welfare. I feel incredibly proud to see that the zoo is sustainable as more people understand and empathize with our vision. Although it was challenging to build consensus at first, there are now so many people supporting and cheering for us, particularly regarding the improvement of animal welfare. I feel a great sense of reward in the fact that people regard us as a positive example for zoos.

Maker's Pick

3 Animals of Cheongju Zoo

Lion wind

Barami, a lion who was rescued by veterinarian Kim Jeong-ho and treated at Cheongju Zoo after being confined in a dark indoor zoo for seven years for feeding experiences, is currently living with his daughter, Gureumi.

Asiatic black bear Jang Geum

Jang Geum, a 22-year-old senior bear under protection at Cheongju Zoo. The bear enclosure, which used to have a concrete floor, has now been covered with soil, and shelters and playgrounds have been created, improving the environment to be a good place for the bear to live.

stork

A bird designated as a Class 1 endangered wild animal and natural monument inhabiting Cheongju Zoo. Recently, wild storks began visiting Cheongju Zoo, which is working to conserve the storks, so a resting place was provided by covering it with branches.