Putin's animal diplomacy: Over 70 creatures gifted to Pyongyang
Russia has sent over 70 animals, including an African lion and two brown bears, to the zoo in Pyongyang. It is a gift from Vladimir Putin to the Korean people.
Russia has sent over 70 animals, including an African lion and two brown bears, to the zoo in North Korea's capital, Pyongyang. According to the Russian government, these animals are "a gift from (Russian President) Vladimir Putin to the Korean people," reports NBC News.
Animals arrived in the capital of the DPRK
The Russian Minister of Natural Resources, Alexander Kozlov, oversaw the transport of the animals. The animals were flown to the Central Zoo in Pyongyang, accompanied by veterinarians from the Moscow Zoo. Photos published by the Russian government show a white cockatoo in a cage and Kozlov touring the zoo with local officials.
In April, Russia sent birds, including eagles, cranes, and parrots, to the Pyongyang Zoo. Pyongyang and Moscow strengthened their ties after Putin visited North Korea in June, during which time he signed a treaty with Kim Jong Un. Kim gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, and both leaders rode in a Russian Aurus limousine.
