Russia and North Korea have taken their unique "animal diplomacy" to the next level. Russian President Vladimir Putin has gifted North Korea more than 70 animals, including African lions and brown bears, as a gesture of goodwill between the two nations.
According to Russia’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the animals will be transferred from the Moscow Zoo to Pyongyang’s Central Zoo as part of this special diplomatic gift. The list includes a lion, two brown bears, two yaks, five white cockatoos, 25 pheasants of various species, and 40 mandarin ducks, which are expected to become highlights at the North Korean zoo.
This marks the first time that Russia has sent yaks, bears, and female lions to North Korea, noted Russian Minister Alexander Kozlov. The animals are currently undergoing quarantine and adaptation before their transfer to Pyongyang. Officials expressed confidence that the animals would be well cared for and quickly adjust to their new home.
The gift underscores the close relationship between the two nations, which often exchange symbolic offerings. In August, President Putin gifted 24 Orlov trotters, a prestigious horse breed, to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. In return, Kim presented Putin with two Pungsan dogs, a native breed from North Korea.
As this unique form of diplomacy unfolds, the world watches how these animal exchanges continue to solidify ties between the two countries.