Baby White Lion 'Bom-i' Dies; Inbreeding Criticized

The Dong-A Ilbo reports with sadness on the passing of 'Bom-i,' a baby white lion at the Daejeon Aquarium, at just seven months old. While the immediate cause was a worsening of a congenital condition, 'multiple cartilaginous exostoses,' the incident has reignited concerns about the ethics of breeding rare animals like white lions.

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White lions are not naturally common creatures, so repeated inbreeding continues to be controversial to maintain rarity. Indeed, it has been consistently pointed out that such breeding structures can lead to various health problems, including congenital diseases and skeletal abnormalities.

White lions, a rare genetic mutation from South Africa, are often bred in captivity to maintain their unique appearance. However, as pointed out by the Daejeon Environmental Movement Federation, this pursuit of rarity can lead to inbreeding, resulting in significant health problems and skeletal abnormalities. The group argues that Bom-i's death cannot be viewed merely as an unfortunate accident but as a consequence of a breeding system that prioritizes exhibition over the animal's well-being.

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We cannot view Bom-i's death as merely an unfortunate accident, and we must ask who this breeding is for. The justification of endangered species conservation often arises, but this incident is closer to consuming rarity for exhibition than a symbol of species conservation.

This tragedy, following other incidents involving animals at the O-World (which includes the Daejeon Aquarium), such as a wolf's escape and a puma's death, prompts a critical re-evaluation of how zoos and aquariums function. The Dong-A Ilbo, reflecting a growing sentiment among local environmental groups, calls for a shift from 'consuming' animals for display to creating spaces focused on rescue, rehabilitation, conservation, and ecological restoration. The hope is that Bom-i's death will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change in the management and purpose of such facilities, moving beyond mere entertainment to genuine animal welfare and species preservation.

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We must stop exhibiting the suffering of wild animals. The escape of the wolf showed the limits of 'confinement,' and Bom-i's death shows the violence of 'creation.'