Putin sends exotic animals to North Korea while getting military support back

In a show of cross-border cooperation Vladimir Putin sent 70 wild animals to Kim Jong-un which includes various species: a lion two bears yaks and lots of birds (the gift arrived at Pyongyangs main zoo this week)

The transfer happens while around 12k North-Korean soldiers are getting ready to join Russian forces in southern parts of the country. Alexander Kozlov Russias environment minister pointed out: “Animals have historically occupied an important place in interstate relations; they were given as a sign of support kindness and care“

The animals — loaded in wooden crates onto a government plane — are young enough to breed which seems important for the receiving facility. Since the late 40s when Kim Il-sung started ruling the country its zoo had its ups-and-downs. About 20 yrs ago travel guides described it as not worth visiting‚ and some reports mention animal fighting shows

The Pyongyang zoo needed this so much

The facility which holds about 5k animals has its well-known resident — a chimp named Azalea whos known to smoke cigarettes daily (zoo staff says it doesnt inhale). Despite worries about animals well-being during transport and at their new home the minister thinks theyll adapt well. This isnt the first such transfer; back in spring Russia sent different birds to North Korea

• 1 lion
• 2 bears
• 2 yaks
• 5 white cockatoos
• 25 pheasants
• 40 mandarin ducks

This gift exchange shows growing ties between Moscow and Pyongyang — while North Korea sends millions of artillery shells to support Russian military needs