True Story of Sero
"In March 2023, an incident occurred at Seoul Children's Grand Park where a male zebra named "Sero" escaped from its enclosure. Sero, born in 2019, managed to break through the wooden fence and wandered around the city for about three hours. Citizens witnessed the escapade and promptly reported it through various social media platforms, leading to an influx of reports and complaints to the police and fire departments.
The Grand Park authorities, along with the police and fire departments, initiated capture plans to ensure the safety of both the zebra and the public. Measures included installing safety fences in residential areas and employing tranquilizer guns, among others. After a concerted effort, Sero was safely captured and transported back to the Grand Park on a truck.
Prior to the escape, Sero experienced the loss of his parents at an early age, and he had just transitioned into adulthood. This tragic event seemed to have taken a toll on the zebra's mental well-being, leading to increased rebellious behavior, even engaging in fights with kangaroos. Being a zebra accustomed to living in herds on the savannah, losing his only family within the zoo likely caused severe depression, ultimately leading to the escape.
The incident triggered public criticism of the zoo system, with some suggesting that Sero should be sent back to his homeland, Africa. However, the reality is that reintroducing him to the wild would be challenging, as he could fall prey to carnivores or be targeted by poachers. Thankfully, as a result of this incident, Sero is scheduled to meet a female zebra soon and is expected to form a bond through marriage.
Author’s Note
The scene where the zebra named Sero, after escaping, confronts a motorcycle in an alleyway became a viral sensation on the internet. It brought forth a strange and intriguing atmosphere, evoking both laughter and discomfort within me.
I pondered deeply on the matter. It was disheartening to witness a zebra, accustomed to a herd life on the African savannah, eventually escape from captivity. Sero, born and raised under human care at the zoo, finds the wild environment equally unfamiliar. This book originated from a simple thought: "By what right do humans confine animals within our boundaries?
Every character in this book has been crafted using upcycling techniques, repurposing discarded materials. In the environmental crisis of climate change, humans and animals share similar perspectives. I hope this picture book will allow readers to understand the animals' perspective and contemplate the environment. After all, both humans and animals are precious beings with the right to life.
Eryn Kim is the author of Where is My Home? which is her first book. She is a senior student attending the Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies in South Korea. She strongly believes in practicing environmental protection through art and is putting that belief into action through simple practices. Currently, she co-leads the environmental art education organization ‘craftrash.’