Six out of 10 internationally endangered species living in zoos across the country were found to have died due to disease or accidents.
According to data submitted by People Power Party lawmaker Lim Ja, a member of the National Assembly’s Environment and Labor Committee, from the Ministry of Environment on the 13th, a total of 4,001 internationally endangered species have died in zoos across the country over the past five years (2019 to August this year). Of these, 2,563 (64%) died from causes other than natural causes, such as disease and accidents. On the other hand, the number of deaths due to natural causes was 1,438 (36%).
Asiatic black bear photographed at the ecological learning center in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do. Provided by Ministry of Environment
The internationally endangered species that have died include black bears, orangutans, alpacas, chinchillas, white peacocks, Anubis baboons, small-clawed otters, and Jackass penguins.
By region, the largest number of endangered species, 1,303, died in Gyeonggi-do, where Seoul Grand Park and Everland Zoo are located. Chungnam, where the National Institute of Ecology is located, followed with 880.
In terms of deaths other than natural deaths, Gyeonggi-do had the highest number of animals with 916 animals (70%), followed by Chungcheongnam-do with 728 animals (83%). In addition, Busan (91%), Daejeon (87%), and Daegu (82%) also had many causes other than natural death.
On the other hand, there are regions with a higher proportion of natural deaths. Jeju (93%), Gyeongbuk (88%), Gyeongnam (87%), and Jeollanam-do (86%) showed a higher proportion of natural deaths of endangered species.
Rep. Lim said, “The high number of deaths due to causes other than natural causes shows that there are problems with the protection system, such as zoos,” and added, “Relevant organizations must prepare measures to protect endangered species and strive to ensure that animals can live in a better environment.” “He pointed out.
Sangju = Reporter Bae So-young soso@segye.com
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Source: www.segye.com
