The honey badger, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the "most fearless animal in the world," has made its debut in Ilsan, South Korea.
Aqua Planet Ilsan announced on July 14 that it is introducing the honey badger, along with the world's largest rodent, the capybara, and a school of 30,000 sardines, as part of its summer season attractions.
This introduction of new species aims to enhance ecological diversity for visitors. Aqua Planet Ilsan collaborated with veterinarians, aquarists, and international animal experts over a two-year preparation period. Special attention was given to designing habitats that minimize stress for the new arrivals and preserve their wild instincts. A dedicated aquarist will oversee a system that ensures precise health checks and nutritional planning based on data.
An Aqua Planet Ilsan representative stated, "Since there were no precedents for keeping honey badgers in South Korea, we created everything from scratch, including habitat construction and care manuals. We have developed a tailored nutrition and health management system by completing specialized training abroad and analyzing relevant research papers."
The newly introduced honey badger measures about 60 to 70 centimeters in length and weighs between 8 to 14 kilograms. Despite its small size, it is known for its remarkable bravery, having earned a spot in the Guinness World Records as the "most fearless animal." Aqua Planet Ilsan has created a dedicated 152-square-meter exhibit that replicates the honey badger's natural habitat, complete with structures and log toys to encourage natural behaviors.
The capybara, beloved for its friendly appearance, will also greet visitors. This largest rodent, measuring about 1 meter in length and weighing around 60 kilograms, has a specially designed aquatic space with a depth of 1.5 meters and a water temperature of 25 to 26 degrees Celsius. A 24-hour filtration system has been implemented to create a cohabitation environment with other aquatic species, such as fish and turtles. Every day at 2 p.m., an aquarist will conduct a presentation on the ecological characteristics of the capybara.
The aquarium section has also been revamped. Moving away from the previous focus on large fish, a special stage has been set up to showcase a school of 30,000 sardines. To maximize the sardines' natural behavior of forming large, shimmering schools to evade predators, a 2,000-ton tank has been equipped with an automatic feeding system and special lighting.
Additionally, various promotions will be offered, including up to 40% discounts on admission for local residents from Goyang and Paju, students, and veterans. A photo event to celebrate the introduction of new species and the production of special merchandise will also take place. Detailed information on discounts and events can be found on the official website.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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