Controversial Korean lions move to sanctuary

KEENESBURG — Three lions that were expected to be euthanized have instead moved from their zoo in South Korea to The Wild Animal Sanctuary at Keenesburg in Colorado.

In February 2015, three lions at the Children’s Grand Park Zoo in Seoul were the subject of controversy when one or more of them killed a zookeeper who was in their pen installing new equipment.

That set off a conflict among the family of the deceased worker, South Korean zoo officials, and the Korean Animal Welfare Society.

The man’s family and others have been calling for the lions to be euthanized.  Such a move was opposed by the Korean Animal Welfare Association, which was able to exert enough pressure to spare the animals’ lives until a suitable permanent home could be found for them.

The male and female lions, and their 2-year-old cub, have been living in separate concrete holding cages since the attack — out of view of the public.  The cub, having suffered from a severe Vitamin A deficiency while in Korea, and knowing only a life of living on concrete, will remain under veterinary care at the sanctuary where staff members are optimistic they can help it recover.

The animal welfare association visited the Keenesburg sanctuary, the largest nonprofit carnivore facility in the world, in April of this year to inspect and to make arrangements for the transfer of the animals.  A team from the sanctuary arrived in Seoul on June 26 and 24 hours later was traveling home with the lions.

The three lions are now beginning rehabilitation and adaptation to their new surroundings. They soon will be released into a 15-acre natural habitat with trees, dens, shade structures and other features.

The Wild Animal Sanctuary is home to more than 450 rescued lions, tigers, bears, wolves, leopards and other carnivores.

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