In South Korea, recent legal reforms aimed at protecting wildlife and banning mobile animal exhibits have not effectively halted the practice. The article recalls a controversial incident in 2010 where a live tiger was displayed in a public office lobby to attract visitors. Although the laws have since strengthened—specifically from the 2017 establishment of regulations for zoos and the 2022 amendments that further prohibit animal displays outside licensed zoos—illegal exhibitions persist, particularly under the guise of educational programs in schools and daycare centers.

The author, representing the Animal Welfare Research Institute, highlights that numerous illegal mobile animal exhibitors are still operating, with 12 companies recently reported for violations to local authorities. The situation reflects a grave understanding by public institutions, such as schools, of the existing wildlife protection laws, leading to unintentional complicity in illegal activities, where tax money is used to pay for services from offenders. This points to a serious disconnect between departments responsible for wildlife management and education, raising concerns over animal welfare and compliance with the law.

The continued existence of mobile animal exhibits underscores a significant gap in both awareness and enforcement of wildlife protection laws in South Korea. The emotional distress and risks posed to animals during transportation and handling are disregarded, calling for a reevaluation of how wildlife education is conducted in public institutions. This issue not only affects the animals involved but also endangers public perception of wildlife welfare and conservation efforts in the country.