Cheongju Zoo’s Rib Lion: 3 Months of Turbulence and Restoration

Cheongju Zoo Reopens with Enhanced Accessibility and Expanded Programs

Cheongju, South Korea – After a three-month period of extensive renovations, the Cheongju Zoo is preparing to reopen its doors to the public on September 2nd. The improvements focus on enhanced visitor experiance and expanded support for animal welfare and conservation efforts.

Revitalized Facilities and Infrastructure

The Cheongju Land Management Office confirmed the completion of a 650 million won project covering 3,830 square meters of the zoo. Significant upgrades include a redesigned entrance plaza featuring a unique block pattern, and also repairs to walkways throughout the park. These improvements are aimed at creating a more welcoming and visually appealing habitat for all visitors.

Increased Accessibility for All

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity,the zoo has expanded access to its monorail system. Previously available onyl to individuals with disabilities, the monorail will now accommodate pregnant women and visitors aged 65 and over. Reservations can be made up to three days in advance at the Cheongju Land Nuri House. According to a 2024 report by the Korea Tourism Organization, accessibility is a growing priority for tourist destinations in South Korea.

New Ecological Programs Launching

Coinciding with the reopening, the zoo will launch an animal ecological commentary program. These tours, running twice daily at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm, will last approximately 90 minutes and offer insights into the behaviors and characteristics of animals such as lions, tigers, meerkats, and monkeys. The programs will also highlight the zoo’s wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Initial programs earlier this year saw strong participation from local kindergartens and families.

A Haven for Rescued Animals

The Cheongju Zoo plays a vital role in animal conservation, currently housing 274 animals representing 61 different species. Designated as a conservation center for endangered animals in 2014 and a natural monument therapy site in 2021, it also earned recognition in 2023 as the nation’s frist zoo adhering to Ministry of Environment safety and quarantine standards.

The zoo provides sanctuary to several animals rescued from challenging circumstances. these include ‘Marrie’ and ‘Gunbam’, as well as ‘Hunguri’ and ‘Kim Seo-bang’. Notably, ‘wind’, a lion rescued in July 2023 after being found severely malnourished, has been successfully rehabilitated at the zoo. ‘Wind’s’ daughter, ‘Cloud’, also recently joined him, and the pair will undergo a cross-radiation adaptation period.

Key Animal Residents of Cheongju Zoo

Animal Name	Species	Rescue Story
Wind	Lion	Rescued with severe malnutrition, rehabilitated to health.
Cloud	Lion	Daughter of Wind, joined the zoo in 2024.
Marrie	Unknown	Rescued animal avoiding euthanasia.

Further developments are underway, including the completion of animal history exhibits in November and the construction of a wildlife rehabilitation center by the end of the year. This new center will provide specialized care for rescued eagles and other wild birds, increasing their chances of returning to their natural habitats.

Did You Know? Cheongju Zoo’s commitment to animal welfare aligns with a growing global trend of zoos shifting their focus from exhibition to conservation and rehabilitation.

Pro Tip: Book your monorail reservation well in advance,especially if visiting during peak season,to ensure you can enjoy this accessible feature.

The Importance of Modern Zoos

Today’s zoos are evolving beyond simple animal displays. They are increasingly focused on conservation, education, and research. Modern zoos play a crucial role in protecting endangered species, educating the public about wildlife, and contributing to scientific understanding of animal behavior and health. Organizations like the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) set high standards for animal care and welfare.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheongju Zoo

• What are the new operating hours for Cheongju Zoo? The zoo will resume its standard operating hours upon reopening, details of which can be found on the official Cheongju Land website.
• How do I reserve a spot on the monorail? Reservations can be made up to three days in advance at the Cheongju Land Nuri House.
• What is the focus of the animal ecological commentary program? The program aims to educate visitors about animal characteristics, behaviors, and the zoo’s rescue efforts.
• What types of animals can I see at cheongju Zoo? The zoo houses 274 animals representing 61 different species, including lions, tigers, meerkats, and rescued wildlife.
• Is Cheongju Zoo involved in animal conservation? Yes,in 2014,the Ministry of Environment designated the zoo as a conservation center for endangered animals.

What are your thoughts on the role of zoos in modern conservation efforts? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific challenges did the veterinary team face in ensuring Rib adhered to the necessary rest period during his recovery?

The Initial Shock: Diagnosing ‘Rib’ and Public Reaction

In late May 2025, Cheongju Zoo became the center of national attention when ‘Rib,’ a seven-year-old male African lion, was diagnosed with a complex rib fracture. The injury, initially suspected to be the result of an altercation with another lion in the enclosure, proved to be more intricate upon veterinary examination. Initial reports indicated a displaced fracture of the 8th rib,causing significant discomfort and impacting Rib’s mobility.the news quickly spread through South Korean media, sparking concern among animal lovers and frequent visitors to the popular Cheongju Zoo.

The immediate response involved isolating Rib from the pride to prevent further injury and allow for focused care. This decision, while necessary, drew mixed reactions. Some visitors expressed sadness at seeing Rib separated, while others understood the importance of prioritizing his health.Social media platforms buzzed with discussions using hashtags like #RibTheLion, #CheongjuZoo, and #LionRecovery.

Veterinary Intervention: Treatment and Challenges

The veterinary team at Cheongju zoo, in consultation with specialists from Seoul National University Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, opted for a conservative treatment approach. Given the complexity of the fracture and Rib’s size, surgery was deemed too risky. The primary focus was on pain management, strict rest, and monitoring for complications.

Key elements of Rib’s treatment plan included:

Pain medication: A carefully calibrated regimen of analgesics to manage discomfort.

Dietary Adjustments: A softer, protein-rich diet to minimize strain during feeding.

Environmental Modification: Adjustments to his enclosure to encourage rest and limit movement.

Regular Monitoring: Daily veterinary checks, including X-rays, to track healing progress.

However, the healing process wasn’t without its challenges.lions, by nature, are active animals, and maintaining complete rest proved arduous.Rib exhibited periods of restlessness, attempting to engage in playful behaviour despite his injury. This necessitated increased monitoring and adjustments to his medication. Lion health is a complex field,and each case presents unique hurdles.

The Role of Enrichment and Behavioral Therapy

Recognizing the psychological impact of isolation and restricted activity, the zoo’s behavioral enrichment team implemented a specialized program for rib. This program aimed to provide mental stimulation and reduce stress without exacerbating his physical condition.

Enrichment activities included:

Scent Enrichment: Introducing novel scents like spices and herbs to stimulate his olfactory senses.

Puzzle Feeders: Providing food in puzzle toys to encourage problem-solving and slow down eating.

Visual Stimulation: Rotating objects and providing views of diffrent areas of the zoo.

Positive Reinforcement Training: Using rewards to encourage calm behavior and cooperation during veterinary checks.

this proactive approach to animal welfare proved crucial in maintaining rib’s spirits and facilitating his recovery. The team collaborated with experts in feline behavior to tailor the enrichment program to Rib’s specific needs.

Monitoring Progress: X-Ray Analysis and Healing Stages

Throughout the three months, regular X-rays were essential for assessing the fracture’s healing progress. The initial X-rays revealed a clear displacement of the rib, but subsequent images showed gradual signs of callus formation – the body’s natural process of bone repair.

Here’s a timeline of key milestones:

1. Weeks 1-4: Focus on pain management and stabilization. Minimal visible healing on X-rays.
2. Weeks 5-8: Increased callus formation observed. Rib began to show slightly improved mobility.
3. Weeks 9-12: Significant callus development. X-rays indicated the fracture was nearing completion.

The veterinary team closely monitored Rib for signs of infection or complications, such as pneumonia, which can be a risk with rib fractures. Veterinary care for lions requires specialized knowledge and resources.

Reintegration and Future Outlook

On August 28th, 2025, Cheongju zoo announced that Rib had been cleared to rejoin his pride. A carefully managed reintegration process was implemented, starting with brief, supervised interactions. The zoo staff closely observed Rib’s behavior and interactions with the other lions, ensuring a smooth transition.

As of August 31st, 2025, Rib appears to be fully integrated back into the pride, exhibiting normal behavior and engaging in playful interactions. While he may experience some residual discomfort, the veterinary team anticipates a full recovery.

Benefits of Advanced Veterinary Care at Cheongju Zoo

The successful treatment of Rib’s injury highlights the benefits of investing in advanced veterinary care and enrichment programs at zoos. This case demonstrates:

Improved Animal Welfare: Prioritizing animal health and well-being leads to happier, healthier animals.

Enhanced Conservation Efforts: Healthy animals are more likely to participate in breeding programs, contributing to species conservation.

Increased Public Engagement: Stories like Rib’s capture the public’s attention and raise awareness about the importance of zoos and conservation.

Advancements in Veterinary Medicine: Complex cases like Rib’s contribute to the advancement of veterinary knowledge and techniques.