National Baekdudaegan Arboretum Celebrates 6th Birthday of Baekdu Mountain Tigers “Taebeom” and “Mugung” with Special Conservation Event

Celebration for Baekdu Mountain Tigers at National Arboretum

February 13, 2026

Bonghwa County, South Korea – The National Baekdudaegan Arboretum is preparing to host a special event on February 21st, commemorating the sixth birthday of its resident Baekdu Mountain tigers, Taebeom and Mugung. This celebration underscores the critical importance of tiger conservation and aims to educate the public about the ecological value of these magnificent creatures.

The event will feature engaging and interactive programs designed for visitors of all ages, with a particular focus on the brother and sister tigers who are reaching a notable milestone. Experts highlight that preserving biodiversity, particularly apex predators like tigers, is crucial for maintaining healthy ecosystems.

A Day Dedicated to Tiger Welfare

A customized menu, carefully formulated to meet the dietary needs and natural instincts of Taebeom and Mugung, will be served. Enrichment activities, including novel toys, will also be provided to stimulate the tigers’ minds and encourage natural behaviors. This approach to animal care mirrors advancements in zoo practices worldwide.

Informed zookeepers will lead ecological interpretation sessions, shedding light on the life history, behaviors, and conservation status of the Baekdu Mountain tiger. Furthermore,a behavior enrichment program will demonstrate how the arboretum fosters the tigers’ natural instincts and activity levels.

Conservation Efforts and the Baekdu Tiger

Lee Gyu-myeong, Director of the National Baekdudaegan Arboretum, expressed hope that the birthday event will not onyl be a joyful occasion, but also a catalyst for deeper understanding of tiger conservation. He emphasized the organization’s ongoing commitment to endangered species protection and ecological education.

The arboretum’s Tiger Forest has been meticulously designed to replicate the natural habitat of the Baekdu Mountain tiger, currently providing a home to six individuals.Ongoing research and management programs contribute to the species’ continued survival.

Tiger Name	age (as of Feb 21,2026)	Gender
Taebeom	6	Male
Mugung	6	Female

The Importance of Tiger Conservation

the Baekdu Mountain tiger,a subspecies of the Siberian tiger,faces significant threats from habitat loss,poaching,and human-wildlife conflict. According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, tiger populations have declined by over 95% in the last century. [https://www.wcs.org/species/tiger](https://www.wcs.org/species/tiger)

Events like this birthday celebration contribute to raising public awareness and generating support for conservation initiatives. they also highlight the crucial role that zoos and arboretums play in safeguarding endangered species.

What steps can individuals take to support tiger conservation efforts? Do you believe zoos are effective in protecting endangered species?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

What is the best time of day to visit the National baekdudaegan Arboretum to see Taebeom and Mugung?

National Baekdudaegan Arboretum Celebrates 6th Birthday of Baekdu Mountain Tigers “Taebeom” and “Mugung” with Special Conservation Event

The National Baekdudaegan Arboretum is hosting a special event this week to mark the 6th birthday of its resident Siberian tigers, taebeom and Mugung. This festivity isn’t just about cake (though enrichment activities will be involved!); it’s a crucial opportunity to highlight ongoing conservation efforts for this endangered species and educate the public about the importance of preserving their natural habitat.

A Thriving “Tiger Forest” in the Heart of korea

Since opening its “tiger forest” in May 2025, the Arboretum has become a vital center for Siberian tiger conservation in South Korea. the project, spearheaded by the Korea Forest Service, aimed to create a semi-natural surroundings where these magnificent creatures could thrive while contributing to research and public awareness.

The Arboretum’s location within the Baekdudaegan mountain range – a crucial ecological corridor – was deliberately chosen. This range historically supported a wild tiger population, and the initiative hopes to contribute to potential reintroduction efforts in the future. The tiger forest itself is designed to mimic the tigers’ natural environment, offering ample space for roaming, enrichment, and natural behaviors.

Taebeom and Mugung: Ambassadors for Conservation

Taebeom and Mugung arrived at the Arboretum as young tigers, and their journey has been closely monitored by a team of dedicated veterinarians and zoologists.

* Taebeom, meaning “grate bravery,” has consistently demonstrated a playful and curious nature, often engaging with enrichment items and exploring new areas of the habitat.

* Mugung,translating to “boundless virtue,” is known for his more reserved demeanor,preferring to observe his surroundings before interacting.

Their contrasting personalities provide valuable insights into individual tiger behavior and contribute to a more thorough understanding of the species. The pair are not only beloved residents but also powerful ambassadors for conservation, drawing visitors and raising awareness about the threats facing siberian tigers in the wild.

The Birthday Celebration: More Than Just Festivities

The 6th birthday celebration, taking place this week, will feature a series of events designed to educate and inspire.

1. Enrichment Activities: Keepers will provide Taebeom and Mugung with specially designed enrichment items – puzzles, scent trails, and novel objects – to stimulate their minds and encourage natural behaviors.
2. Educational Workshops: Throughout the week, the Arboretum will host workshops for children and adults focusing on Siberian tiger biology, conservation challenges, and the role of habitat preservation.
3. Conservation Talks: Leading experts in tiger conservation will deliver talks on the latest research and initiatives aimed at protecting these animals in their native range.
4. Fundraising Drive: A fundraising drive will be launched to support ongoing research and conservation programs at the Arboretum and in the wild.

The Importance of Siberian Tiger Conservation

Siberian tigers ( Panthera tigris altaica ) are the largest cat species in the world and are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Historically, their population dwindled due to poaching, habitat loss, and human-wildlife conflict.

Key threats currently include:

* Poaching: Despite increased law enforcement efforts, illegal poaching for their fur and body parts remains a significant threat.

* habitat loss: Deforestation and land conversion continue to shrink the tigers’ natural habitat, fragmenting populations and limiting their access to prey.

* Prey Depletion: Overhunting of prey species,such as deer and wild boar,reduces the tigers’ food supply.

* Climate Change: Altered weather patterns and increased frequency of extreme events can disrupt ecosystems and impact tiger populations.

The Arboretum’s Role in a Broader Conservation Strategy

The National Baekdudaegan Arboretum’s work is part of a larger, international effort to save Siberian tigers. the Arboretum collaborates with organizations like the Wildlife Conservation Society and WWF to share research findings,exchange best practices,and support conservation initiatives in Russia and China – the tiger’s primary range.

The Arboretum also plays a crucial role in:

* Genetic Research: Monitoring the genetic diversity of Taebeom and Mugung contributes to a broader understanding of the species’ genetic health.

* Behavioral Studies: Observing the tigers’ behavior in a semi-natural environment provides valuable insights into their needs and preferences.

* Public Education: Raising public awareness about the plight of Siberian tigers and inspiring conservation action.

visiting the National baekdudaegan Arboretum

Planning a visit to see Taebeom and Mugung? Here are a few practical tips:

* Location: The Arboretum is located near Bonghwa, in southeastern South Korea.

* Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online through the arboretum’s website or at the gate.

* Best Viewing Times: Tigers are most active during cooler parts of the day, so early morning or late afternoon are ideal times to visit.

* respectful Viewing: Maintain