Gwangju Wildlife Medical Center: Fulfilling Its Mission to Protect Wild Animals

The term “wildlife” is familiar to us, but do you know how essential wild animals are to human existence and the Earth as a whole? Wildlife plays a critical role in biodiversity and helps maintain healthy, resilient ecosystems. Undoubtedly, the extinction of these species would jeopardize human survival. Today, together with 15 centers in the country, the Gwangju Wildlife Medical Center is performing an active role in saving wild animals from the verge of extinction, maintaining ecosystem equilibrium, and enhancing biodiversity while ensuring a healthy natural environment where wildlife and humans exist in harmony. The Chonnam Tribune paid a visit to the Gwangju Wildlife Medical Center and explored the ways in which the center contributes to the region’s wildlife and ecosystems.

How the Center Works
Established in 2019, the center continues to fulfil its mission to protect wild animals. It has clearly defined roles and responsibilities for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, conservation of biological resources, zoonotic disease control, and raising awareness about wildlife ecology through outreach and on-site educational programs. The center uses advanced medical technologies, including digital X-rays, ultrasound imaging devices, and blood analyzers to efficiently diagnose and treat wild animals. Spanning a large facility, the center has an indoor clinic, an operating room, an intensive care unit, an inpatient ward, and a rehabilitation training center.

The center reported that from 2019 to 2024, 3350 rescues were conducted, with about 40 percent of 673 cases in 2024 recovering after treatment, a milestone in its continuous efforts to defend wild animals. Several animals it has rescued are vulnerable or endangered, including the kestrel, eagle, red-shouldered hawk, red bat, sky squirrel, and so more. It is beyond imagination that these major contributions to the regional ecosystem are made by only seven specialists, highlighting the need for more hands-on support by residents to attain far-reaching changes.

Diving Into Wild Animals’ Behaviors
Understanding wildlife behavior is essential for optimizing treatment and rehabilitation. Choi Jong-woog, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Director of the Gwangju Wildlife Medical Center, said, “The center is busiest during spring and summer, when often called the seasons of life. Many birds and mammals give birth and raise their young. Consequently, the number of wild animals in need of rescue dramatically increases.” Adult birds habitually leave their nests to seek food. When rescuing fledgling birds, it is advisable to look for their mother and nest before taking them to the center.

Wild animals taken to the center are fragile, requiring gentle patience and care. The center’s specialists demonstrate strong affection for animals and acquire great knowledge of wildlife. Rehabilitator Seo Yeon-guk said, “One of the most memorable experiences was raising a pair of raccoon siblings for five months. Watching them grow up healthy with their wild instincts intact and safely return to nature was rewarding.” The number of rescues significantly decreases after  summer, as the young animals become independent. This allows the center to reorganize and prepare for the following year. The center quietly but diligently continues its mission to protect and rehabilitate wildlife.

Humans and Wildlife in Proximity
Human activities have adversely impacted wildlife. According to the center’s latest report, human activities account for approximately 60 percent of wildlife incidents they have treated. Birds lose their homes because of tree trimming and are injured in building collisions. Wild birds fly at high speed and collide with soundproof walls and glass windows on account of their transparency, most of those who do traumatically passing away. Wild animals like deer and raccoons are exposed to serious accidents due to expansion of traffic systems in urban areas. 

Hunters are also a threat to wildlife. Plenty of rescued animals are found gunshot or captured in traps designed for pests such as mice. Fostering coexistence between wildlife and human beings is a big challenge that necessitates tons of enthusiasm to resolve. Nonetheless, many human efforts  count. Veterinary Research Officer Oh A-reum explained, “Most of the wildlife brought to our center is rescued thanks to reports made by citizens. I find it encouraging that more people are taking care of wildlife.”

Empowering the Community to Protect Wildlife
To raise awareness about coexistence with wild animals and protecting them from extinction, the center offers educational programs and guided tours for citizens, specifically through the Wildlife Conservation Ecological Learning Program. The program delivers interesting topics about various wildlife species, the need for protection, rescue and treatment, among other biodiversity conservation tasks. Rehabilitator Seo said, “We urge more local residents to participate in our educational sessions, which are helpful in protecting wildlife. If citizens are increasingly involved in our programs, there will be lasting benefits for wildlife defense.” 

Wildlife shares a unique relationship with humans and plays an irreplaceable role in ecosystems by regulating the planet’s natural cycles. As nature’s architects, wild animals shape landscapes and environments. Additionally, they provide humans with food, resources, cultural significance, and recreational value. People are making more efforts to harmoniously coexist with wildlife, and the contributions of wildlife centers are invaluable. The Gwangju Wildlife Medical Center is making solid dedications to building strong habitats and enhancing the harmony with human society.

By Hoang Thi Le Tra, Editor