Putin Gifts Zoo Animals, Including Lion and Bears, to North Korea

Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov visits the city central zoo during an official transfer of more than 70 animals from Russia to North Korea within the framework of the countries' bilateral cooperation in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this picture released November 20, 2024. Press Service of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment/Handout via REUTERS

Russia transferred more than 70 animals, including an African lion and two brown bears, to a zoo in the North Korean capital Pyongyang from Moscow's zoo, the Russian government said on Wednesday.
The animals were "a gift from (Russian President) Vladimir Putin to the Korean people", the government said.
Alexander Kozlov, Russia's natural resources minister, oversaw the relocation of the animals, who were transported by plane to the Pyongyang Central Zoo accompanied by veterinarians from the Moscow Zoo, Reuters reported
Pictures published by the Russian government showed a white cockatoo travelling in a crate and Kozlov receiving a tour of the Korean zoo from local officials.
Russia in April donated birds, including eagles, cranes and parrots to the Pyongyang Central Zoo.
Pyongyang and Moscow have forged closer ties since Putin visited the country in June and concluded a treaty with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Kim gifted Putin a pair of Pungsan dogs, a local breed, during that trip. The two also took turns driving each other around in a Russian-built Aurus limousine.