Media Wire Express Correspondent
Russian President Vladimir Putin has sent 75 animals from Moscow Zoo to North Korea’s Pyongyang Zoo, including an African lion, two brown bears, yaks, and exotic birds such as cockatoos and mandarin ducks.
The shipment, described as a gift to the North Korean people, symbolizes the deepening partnership between the two countries amid their increasing global isolation.
The animals were transported via a specially arranged flight and will enhance the Pyongyang Zoo’s collection of over 5,000 species. Russian officials emphasized the gesture’s cultural significance, describing it as part of a long-standing tradition of diplomatic exchanges involving wildlife.
North Korea’s authorities expressed gratitude, stating that the animals will enrich educational and recreational experiences for citizens. Pyongyang Zoo, recently modernized, will house these additions in state-of-the-art enclosures tailored to replicate their natural habitats.
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The gesture coincides with reports of growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. North Korea is believed to have deployed thousands of troops to aid Russia in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Analysts see the animal transfer as a broader indication of strengthening strategic ties.
Critics argue that such exchanges may distract from deeper issues, including sanctions and military escalations. However, both nations continue to emphasize their shared solidarity in facing international challenges.
