Zoo Diplomacy: Putin Sends Wild Animals to North Korea
Among the animals sent were two brown bears, a lion, several yaks, five cockatoos, 25 pheasants, and 40 mandarin ducks.
This exchange is part of a larger trend illustrating the strengthening diplomatic ties between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un, with Russia sending a variety of wild animals to North Korea.
According to a statement from the Russian government, these animals, labeled as a “gift to the Korean people,” were transported to the capital city of Pyongyang on a cargo plane. They were accompanied by Alexander Kozlov, Russia’s environment minister, alongside other officials and wildlife specialists from Moscow Zoo.
“Animals have historically played an important role in diplomacy. They symbolize support, kindness, and care,” said Kozlov in a statement shared on his official Telegram channel.
This development is noteworthy as U.S. and South Korean officials recently confirmed that North Korea has dispatched thousands of troops to support Russian forces amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, Kim has provided artillery shells and missiles to Russia, aiding Moscow’s invasion, which will enter its third year in February.
Historically, Russia and North Korea were close allies during the Cold War, but their relationship soured after the Soviet Union collapsed. Over the past three years, however, their alliance has strengthened as both nations face Western sanctions—North Korea’s linked to its missile programs and expanding connections with Russia.
Putin has a history of sending animals as gifts to North Korea, which includes purebred horses, eagles, and parrots.
In another recent development, President Joe Biden lifted a ban that previously restricted Ukraine from using U.S. long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia. Moscow has warned that this decision could lead to significant escalation.
On Thursday, Ukraine’s military reported that Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile towards its territory, marking what seemed to be the first use of such a powerful weapon in the conflict.
