Putin's Gift to North Korea Revealed: "70 Animals Including Amur Leopards and Brown Bears"

Relocation from Moscow Zoo to Pyongyang Central Zoo
Bird donations including eagles and parrots made last April

Russian President Vladimir Putin gifted over 70 animals, including one male lion and two brown bears, to a zoo in North Korea.

On the 20th (local time), TASS news agency reported that the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources stated, "Minister Aleksandr Kozlov has ordered the transfer of more than 70 animals from the Moscow Zoo to the Pyongyang Central Zoo."

The image of the stone lion gifted by Russia to North Korea. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

The Russian Ministry of Natural Resources explained, "This is a gift from President Putin to the North Korean people," adding, "One African lion, two brown bears, two yaks, five white cockatoos (parrots), 25 pheasants of various species, and 40 mandarin ducks will live in North Korea's zoo." Minister Kozlov also emphasized, "This is the first time Russia is sending male lions, bears, and yaks to North Korea." He further stated, "The animals are currently quarantined and will be moved to us after an adaptation period," adding, "These animals will receive proper care and quickly adapt to their new environment."

Some foreign media outlets released videos showing the animal transport and the current state of the Pyongyang Zoo. In the video, the space exhibiting the African lion gifted by Russia displayed a sign reading, "To Dear Comrade Kim Jong Un, a gift from Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation on November 16, 2024."

Russia and North Korea frequently exchange "animal gifts," maintaining a close relationship. Earlier, a delegation from the Moscow Zoo visited North Korea in April and donated birds such as eagles, parrots, and cranes to the Central Zoo. Additionally, in August, President Putin exported 24 Orlov Trotter horses, known as the favorite horses of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un, to North Korea. Chairman Kim gifted President Putin two Pungsan dogs.

Meanwhile, the Pyongyang Central Zoo, located at the foot of Daesongsan Mountain, is North Korea's representative zoo, established in 1959 and operating for over 60 years. It is open to both North Korean residents and foreigners. The zoo reportedly has over 40 animal enclosures, including an aquarium, aviary, reptile house, monkey house, big cat house, and elephant house. The zoo houses approximately 650 species and over 5,000 animals, including the Korean tiger (Joseon tiger), pandas, lions, and elephants. The zoo covers an area of 2.7 million square meters, larger than Seoul Grand Park (2.42 million square meters).