An emaciated lion with ribs painfully seen, a tragic sight from the times of Bookyung Zoo’s operation. Courtesy of Cheongju Zoo
By KTimes
A overseas zookeeper was discovered useless in an deserted zoo in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, a 12 months after the power was shut down following allegations of animal abuse.
The physique of the 60-year-old Russian nationwide was found contained in the lion enclosure of the now-defunct Bookyung Zoo on Sept. 11, based on the police.
The zoo, which had been the middle of controversy as a result of studies of malnourished animals, together with emaciated lions whose ribs have been visibly protruding, was completely closed in August final 12 months. On the time of its closure, all animals have been relocated, and the zoo was left with none employees.
The invention was made by an area particular person who had visited the positioning to buy second-hand gadgets left behind after the zoo’s closure. Upon getting into the lion enclosure, he discovered a dull physique and instantly reported it to the authorities.
Preliminary investigations recommend that the zookeeper had been residing within the deserted zoo since its closure, as private belongings akin to clothes and cooking utensils have been discovered on the scene.
The police stated that there have been no indicators of foul play, and an preliminary post-mortem by the Nationwide Forensic Service revealed some underlying well being points, however the precise explanation for demise stays undetermined.
It’s believed that he had been useless for roughly a month earlier than his physique was found.
A spokesperson from the police division stated, “We have now knowledgeable the Russian Embassy concerning the incident. Except any uncommon findings, akin to drug involvement, emerge from additional testing, the case will possible be categorized as a demise by pure causes.”
The incident has drawn consideration to the uncared for state of the zoo and the tragic circumstances that led to the demise of its former caretaker. The case stays below investigation as authorities await last forensic outcomes.
This text from the Hankook Ilbo, a sister publication of The Korea Occasions, is translated by a generative AI and edited by The Korea Occasions.
