A zoo in the southwestern city of Gwangju has become a focal point of panda diplomacy between South Korea and China, emerging as a possible new home for the animals after a summit between the two countries’ leaders, with supporters pointing to its track record on animal welfare, trained staff and appropriate facilities. On Wednesday, President Lee Jae Myung said he requested Chinese President Xi Jinping to loan a pair of pandas to Uchi Park Zoo, noting its status as one of the nation’s two designated hub zoos and agreeing to move forward with working-level discussions. The Ministry of Environment grants hub zoo designation based on criteria for animal welfare and conservation, including a minimum site area of 10,000 square meters, an animal hospital and at least three veterinarians. Founded in 1992, Uchi Park Zoo became South Korea’s second designated hub zoo last year, following Cheongju Zoo in North Chungcheong Province. It is widely recognized for its expertise in animal protection and veterinary care, having pioneered a titanium artificial beak for a parrot and successfully op