MOSCOW – Russia has transferred over 70 animals, including an African lion and two brown bears, to Pyongyang Central Zoo as a gesture of goodwill, the Russian government announced on Wednesday.
Described as “a gift from President Vladimir Putin to the Korean people,” the animals were sent from Moscow Zoo and transported to the North Korean capital by plane. Russia’s Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov oversaw the relocation, accompanied by veterinarians to ensure the animals’ safety.
Images released by the Russian government showed the animals, including a white cockatoo, traveling in crates. Upon their arrival, Kozlov was given a guided tour of the Pyongyang Central Zoo by local officials. This is not the first animal exchange between the two nations. In April, Russia donated various birds, such as eagles, cranes, and parrots, to the North Korean zoo.
The diplomatic relationship between Moscow and Pyongyang has strengthened significantly in recent months. Russian President Putin’s visit to North Korea in June, where he and Kim Jong Un signed a treaty, marked a turning point. During the visit, Kim gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a native breed, while the two leaders shared rides in a Russian-built Aurus limousine.
The animal exchanges symbolize the growing rapport between the two nations, as they deepen cultural and political ties amid shared geopolitical challenges.