Including an African Lion and Two Bears… Putin Sends Gift to North Korean People

The Russian government announced today (Thursday) that it transferred more than 70 animals from Moscow Zoo, including an African lion and two brown bears, to a zoo in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea, according to Reuters.

The government stated that the animals were “a gift from (Russian President) Vladimir Putin to the North Korean people.”

Russian Minister of Natural Resources Alexander Kozlov oversaw the transfer of the animals, which were transported by plane to the Pyongyang Central Zoo. Veterinarians from Moscow Zoo accompanied the animals on the trip.

The Korean Central News Agency reported today that it had received rare animals as gifts from Putin.

In April, Russia donated birds, including eagles, cranes, and parrots, to Pyongyang Central Zoo.

Relations between Moscow and Pyongyang have strengthened since Putin’s visit to North Korea in June and the signing of a treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.