Zoolungzoolung~ I’m Daechu, the aquarist, currently on a journey with the fish at the 5th-floor Water Garden. Nice to meet you!
Introducing zoolungman
Dongtan
Daechu
Guardian of Life
We're good friends
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Arowana
The arowana is a large freshwater fish with a long, streamlined body. Its mouth faces upward, which is why it tends to swim near the water’s surface. It is also known to leap out of the water by lifting its body high above the surface. Because of this behavior, it is sometimes called the “dragon fish.” In some regions, it is regarded as a symbol of good luck and wealth.
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Pig-nosed Turtle
The pig-nosed turtle is a very unique turtle with a snout resembling a pig’s nose. Its front limbs are fin-like, allowing it to swim smoothly through the water. Unlike other turtles, it rarely comes out of the water. Its shell is not made of hard plates but is smooth and leathery.
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Humboldt Penguin
People often think penguins live only in cold regions, but the Humboldt penguin comes from the warm coasts of Peru and Chile in South America, where the Humboldt Current flows. They are smaller than other penguins and love to swim. To keep their bodies dry, their feathers are denser than those of other birds and are divided into a stiff upper layer that repels water and a soft lower layer that retains heat. They also have oil glands under their tails, and they use their beaks to apply this oil to their bodies to keep their feathers from getting wet.
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Sulcata Tortoise
The Sulcata tortoise is the third-largest land tortoise in the world. Since it lives exclusively on land, it cannot swim. Instead, it can walk for long distances and has sturdy legs that can handle rocky terrain with ease. Also, unlike sea turtles, it can retract its head and legs into its shell. As they age, growth rings form on their shells, so you can tell how much they’ve grown by looking at these rings. They have very strong jaws and teeth, so they can easily crush even hard fruits.
1. Self-Introduction
2. What led me to work with animals
I’ve always had a special love for water and animals, so I used to dream of becoming an “aquarist.”
Then, as an adult, I decided to get my scuba diving certification, and the underwater world was far more beautiful and majestic than I had ever imagined. There was Nemo (the clownfish) from the movies, the crab who was the Little Mermaid’s friend, and all sorts of beautiful fish…
Seeing all this, I decided I wanted to become an aquarist so I could protect these marine creatures and help them live happily.
3. Introducing My Favorite Pet
All our animal friends are adorable, but this is our lovely “Gomchi,” who has been with us since we opened the Dongtan branch.
Watching him get his teeth cleaned by his symbiotic cleaner shrimp is like witnessing a scene straight out of nature. Even though Gomchi has very hard and sharp teeth, he makes an exception for the cleaner shrimp!
Above all, she has a huge appetite and is a real glutton who devours mackerel, shrimp, clams, and more.
4. A Memorable Traveler
I’m reminded of a young visitor I met while leading the “Animal Doctor Special Tour,” a seasonal program at the Zoolungzoolung Dongtan branch.
This was the child who asked questions throughout the tour and, at the very end, said, “I want to take a picture with the aquarist!”
After we took the picture together, they asked various questions about what it takes to become an aquarist, and I still vividly remember the sparkle in their eyes from that moment.
5. Showcasing the Jureungjureung Dongtan Branch
The Zoolungzoolung Dongtan branch has canoes!
If you paddle hard in a canoe, you might spot a ring-tailed lemur sitting cross-legged and basking in the sun.
6. A Message for Our Guests
All the animal caretakers at Zoolungzoolung care for animals with a heart that loves and respects life.
They are constantly studying to find ways to help animals live long, happy lives free from illness.
Please treat the animals around you with care and kindness, too 😊