Russia sent over 70 exotic animals, including an African lion and brown bears, to North Korea as a “gift” to deepen ties between the two countries. According to reports, the animals were transported by a cargo plane to the Pyongyang Central Zoo on Wednesday.
The animals were sourced from Moscow Zoo and were delivered to Pyongyang under the supervision of Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s Minister of Natural Resources, along with a team of veterinarians and wildlife experts.
Kozlov described the gesture as part of a long-standing tradition of using animals in diplomacy, stating: “Historically, animals have played a special role in relations between states. They have been given as a sign of support, kindness, and care.”
Kremlin’s North Korea Soft Power: in a symbolic gesture mirroring Chinese ‘panda diplomacy’ Putin’s plane delivered bears, a lion, and cockatoos, other exotic animals to Pyongyang Zoo pic.twitter.com/STZrUyOrWa
— козлов (@petrkozlov) November 20, 2024
The Pyongyang Central Zoo, known for its eclectic exhibits acquired through diplomatic exchanges, will house the new arrivals.
The delivery comes amid a period of increased cooperation between Russia and North Korea, amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Western officials have confirmed that North Korea has sent thousands of troops to assist Russian forces, along with artillery shells and missiles. This military support follows a mutual defense pact signed in June, committing each nation to aid the other in the event of an attack.
In response to North Korea’s contributions, Russia has reportedly provided material benefits, such as technology, and now symbolic gestures like the animal delivery. Previous gifts from Putin to North Korea include purebred horses, parrots, and eagles.
In addition to the animal delivery, the two nations recently signed agreements covering trade, technology, and economic cooperation. Reports indicate plans to increase charter flights between Russia and North Korea, with over 5,000 tourists traveling between the two countries from January to September this year.
The growing alliance between Moscow and Pyongyang has raised concerns among Western nations about potential Russian assistance to North Korea’s missile and nuclear programs. The strengthened partnership between the two countries comes as they face severe international sanctions—Russia for its invasion of Ukraine and North Korea for its weapons development.
