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[March Theme Report] The Significant Role of Zoos and Aquariums in South Korea |
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by Wooyeong Kim | 27-03-2023 22:34
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So far, many people misunderstand that zoos and aquariums just lock and hurt the animals for their benefits to earn money. However, they can provide a new and safe habitat for animals and have responsibilities to enlighten the public on the importance of efforts for biosystem conservation. Aquariums in Korea have also been instrumental in marine life conservation. The Lotte World Aquarium in Seoul is home to several endangered species, such as the sand tiger shark. This aquarium has been involved in breeding programs for these species, leading to their increased wild population. The aquarium also provides education programs to the visitors—especially children,— highlighting the need to protect marine ecosystems and the role of humans in ensuring their survival. Aquariums are also making efforts in scientific research that aims to understand the behavior and features of marine species and their survival in their natural habitats. This has been essential in developing strategies to conserve and revive marine ecosystems and the species that inhabit in those places. The Coex Aquarium in Seoul is researching the breeding of endangered species of seahorses, which are threatened by habitat destruction and overfishing. In addition to the aquariums, Everland Zoo, the most famous zoo in Korea, has become a new habitat and home to a wide range of animals, including the Korean tiger, which was once considered extinct. Through captive breeding programs, this zoo has been able to increase the population of these endangered species by leading them into their natural habitats. This has been a significant key point in Korea's conservation efforts, as it proves that the extinction of species can be reversed. Zoos also can offer educational programs to visitors, which aim to increase environmental awareness about wildlife conservation. For example, the Seoul Grand Park Zoo has an environmental education center, where visitors learn about various aspects of biosystems, including the protection of endangered species. Even though these institutions’ efforts have kept trying, to ensure the success of these initiatives, there is a need for developing awareness and cooperation among stakeholders. Governments, NGOs, and private organizations need to connect and work together to protect wildlife and their habitats, to guarantee their survival for generations. Plus, to contribute to these efforts, all of us should give up the stereotypes toward these institutions and look at those with an optimistic perspective as well. |
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2 Comments
Hello Wooyeong! This is your mentor James!
First of all, sorry for the late comment!
You certainly made your point on this report! I also thought that zoos can be considered helpful than hurtful to the environment due to same reasons above. However, not all zoos provide acceptable quality of life for the animals living within the property. Thus, a global minimum standard for zoo facilities should be declared in order to ensure a healthy environment for all animals kept in zoos.
Thanks for the meaningful report! Looking forward to reading your next one!
Posted 04-05-2023 18:29
Hello Wooyeong! This is your mentor Yewon. Nice to meet you:D
You have suggested some positive aspects of zoos and aquariums! People often believe that those facilities have negative impacts on lives, so it was a very fresh point of view!
As you mentioned in your report, zoos and aquariums offer good places to preserve endangered species, with the care of experts. Moreover, by visiting zoos and aquariums, children can get interested in animals and wildlife.
Even though zoos and aquariums are controversial topics, I think it is important to develop the facility in a wildlife-friendly way.
Thank you for sharing your idea!
Posted 31-03-2023 03:18