Bye‑Bye, Tongki: The Polar Bear’s Big Escape!
Everland’s 23‑year‑old polar bear, Tongki, who’s been chilling alone in a concrete terrarium off Seoul’s outskirts, is getting a much‑needed upgrade. The Korea zoo has decided to send him off to the United Kingdom, where he’ll soak up a more “Arctic” vibe.
Who’s Tongki?
- Name origin – A Japanese cartoon hero from the 1980s.
- Birthplace – Born in a South Korean zoo, Masan.
- Current home – 330‑sq‑metre concrete enclosure at Everland theme park.
- Status – The lone polar bear in South Korea since his friend died three years ago.
Why the Move?
South Korea’s summer temperatures are no joke – by Thursday, the heat pushed toward 30 °C. That’s a lot for a polar bear, and zookeepers had to cool Tongki off in a pool and hand him fish.
To give him a breath of fresh, chilly air, Everland will relocate Tongki to Yorkshire Wildlife Park, a 40,000‑sq‑metre reserve that mimics Arctic summer conditions complete with lakes that would make any polar bear sigh with relief.
Meet the New Neighbors
- Victor
- Pixel
- Nissan
- Nobby
Whether Tongki will become part of this frosty crew depends on their welcome — can a group of bears easily add a new mate? Only time will tell.
What Happens in Korea?
Everland dropped the baton: Tongki will not be replaced. Other South Korean zoos have no plans to bring in new polar bears, as these creatures are listed as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List.
Activists Cheer the Decision
Animal‑rights groups, which have long argued against keeping polar bears in Korea, were grinning ear‑to‑ear. The campaign group Care noted:
“For polar bears, sweltering summer in this country is torturous. If he were a 80‑year‑old man, Tongki would have cherished the company of a few friends. He’s been living solo for too long.”
With just one Arctic stalwart left in the country, Tongki’s transfer marks a bittersweet milestone. One hopes he’ll grow old in a place that’s as cool and kind as his own chilly heart.
