- Russia announced on Wednesday that Vladimir Putin is gifting Kim Jong Un about 70 animals for his zoo.
- Russia’s environmental ministry said the animals include a lioness, two bears, two yaks, and over 60 birds.
- The new set of animals is another touch by Putin to firm up his alliance with North Korea.
Moscow has sent Pyongyang yet another tranche of animals as gifts, as Russian leader Vladimir Putin seeks to bolster his alliance with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un.
This time, the animal contingent numbered around 70, according to a statement posted on Wednesday by the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment.
Describing the animals as a gesture of friendship from Putin to North Korea, the statement listed a female African lion, two bears, two yaks, five white cockatoos, 25 different species of pheasant, and 40 mandarin ducks among the transfers.
They are being delivered from the Moscow Zoo to the Pyongyang Central Zoo, the statement added.
“I am sure that the animals and birds will be well looked after. They will not get sick and will quickly get used to their new home,” said Alexander Kozlov, the minister of natural resources and the environment, in the statement.
Kozlov’s ministry said it had previously sent Pyongyang birds such as eagles, cranes, and parrots, but that it was the first time Russia had donated mammals.
Putin has recently been using animal diplomacy to cozy up to Kim. In August, the Times of London, citing a veterinary source in Russia, reported that the Russian leader had sent Pyongyang two dozen purebred white horses.
Kim had earlier gifted Putin two Pungsan hunting dogs during the latter’s one-day visit to Pyongyang in June.
The state media portrayed the trip as a friendly meeting between the two leaders, showcasing numerous photos of them enjoying a car ride, playing with dogs, and walking through presidential gardens. This has helped solidify their public image of a strong relationship in the face of efforts to isolate Russia and North Korea on the global stage.
