Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent more than 70 animals to Pyongyang, including an African lion, brown bear and cockatoo, reflecting growing ties between Russia and North Korea. This unusual diplomatic move symbolizes the solidarity and strengthening relationship between the two countries in recent months.
The animals, including two yaks, were transferred by air from the Moscow Zoo to the Pyongyang Central Zoo with a team of veterinarians. According to the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, “It is a gift to Pyongyang from Vladimir Putin.”
The move follows a series of events that highlight the deepening alliance between Russia and North Korea, including the August deployment of North Korean troops to Russia, where they have provided support to Russia in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Had helped the forces.
Speaking about the gift, Russian Natural Resources Minister, Alexander Kozlov said, “Cooperation between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is not just about economics, trade and industry. It also has a long list of nature conservation projects. Now the friendship between Moscow and Pyongyang zoos has also been added to these.”
In addition to the yak, animals sent to North Korea included an African lion, two brown bears, five white cockatoos, 25 species of pheasant, and 40 mandarin ducks, all of which were transferred to the Pyongyang Central Zoo.
Moscow Zoo General Director Svetlana Akulova stressed that the transfer of the animals is part of a broader effort to strengthen scientific and educational cooperation between the two countries. With the support of the Moscow government, we plan to expand cooperation with North Korean partners. Matters related to joint scientific and educational activities, as well as the exchange of experience and information on the care of rare species of animals,” Akulova said.
This exchange is not the first exchange of its kind. Earlier this year, in April, Russia sent more than 40 animals, including eagles, parrots and pythons, to the Pyongyang Zoo, according to a report by Russian news agency, TASS. In return, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent two rare Pungsan hounds to Putin in June 2024, ahead of the Russian president’s planned visit to Pyongyang.
In June, Russia and North Korea renewed a Cold War-era mutual defense agreement, and according to the Pentagon, more than 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed to Russia’s Kursk region, where there has been a fierce battle with Ukrainian forces since August. There is a fight going on. new York Times.
North Korea is struggling with the severe effects of international sanctions, food shortages and a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters.
The country’s greatest needs go far from just zoo animals. It faces significant challenges in obtaining essential resources such as foreign exchange, oil and advanced weapons expertise vital to its military ambitions.
