On November 30, 2011, in Yongin City, a moon bear died during what was supposed to be a rescue. The moon bear is a protected animal in Korea but that didn't save it from bungling and incompetence.

From the TV footage of the incident, it appears that the bear was anaesthetized with a dart, after which it was dragged roughly up a hill with a rope. Five people are seen standing around and watching as the unconscious animal is pulled without any care onto concrete slab. It was very roughly treated, as if it was already dead.

KARA questions whether the rescue team had any experience in animal control and why it did not pay careful attention when moving the bear. Whether the bear died through rough handling or an overdose of anesthetic, it is hard to say.

Typically, as is happening all over the world with other animals, the bear appeared in the town looking for food due to the loss of its natural habitat. Possible it already had existing injuries and was tired and hungry, but none of this was assessed beforehand.

This is not the first time that fire officers have shown ignorance in the handling of domestic and wild animals.

In 2008, a healthy dog died after being darted by an anesthetic gun fired by a fireman. The incident raised doubts about the fire officer’s qualifications and knowledge about darting animals and handling anesthetic guns

Back in 1998, when a tiger escaped a zoo and roamed around, it was killed without any rescue attempt. This was what first raised awareness about the need for proper management of animals.

But the recent incident of the moon bear’s death shows that there has not been any effort over the past 13 years to ensure measures are in place for the proper management of animals.

As usually, animal problems like this are created by humans. Increasing land development causes a difficulty in finding food in the wild so animals encroach on residential areas. This is bound to happen again in the future and more animals will be exposed to the dangers of ongoing government mismanagement or perhaps traffic accidents.

KARA will endeavor to find a way to protect animals that are captured or moved in the future.

Apart from the government, education will be a key to improving the general public’s awareness of the importance of animal protection.