In a video clip published on Telegram, animals in transport crates are seen being unloaded from a Russian government plane. In another clip, a lion is seen roaming around its new home at Pyongyang Zoo.
Besides the African lion, the gift consists of two brown bears and two jakals. A large number of birds are also being sent from Moscow Zoo to Pyongyang Zoo: five cockatoos, 25 pheasants, and 40 mandarin ducks, according to a statement from the Department of Natural Resource Management.
Russia and North Korea have deepened their political, military, and cultural ties since Moscow invaded Ukraine on a broad front in 2022. Earlier this year, the leaders of the countries signed a defense pact, which means they must help each other militarily if either country is attacked. Shortly thereafter, the first reports emerged of North Korean soldiers being prepared for battle against Ukrainian forces.
According to a statement from South Korea on Wednesday, it is now possible that up to 15,000 North Koreans are involved, reports news agency Yonhap.
Putin and North Korea's dictator Kim Jong-Un have repeatedly praised the strong bonds between the countries – and the leaders' personal friendship. Putin has previously given Kim 24 horses, while Kim has given his friend in Moscow two dogs of the Korean breed pungsan.
