The animals were flown from the Moscow Zoo to Pyongyang Central Zoo and accompanied by veterinarians, the statement said.
“Historically, animals have always played a special role in relations between countries,” said Russian Natural Resources Minister Alexander Kozlov, who oversaw the animal migration. “They were given as a sign of support, kindness and care,” he added.
According to Kozlov, cooperation between Russia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea includes not only the economic, trade and industrial sectors, but also a list of environmental projects. “Now the friendship between the Moscow Zoo and the Pyongyang Zoo is one of them,” he said.
“With the support of the Moscow government, we plan to expand cooperation with our North Korean colleagues on issues related to joint scientific and educational activities and exchange of experience and information on the protection of rare animals,” Svetlana said. Akulova, general director of the Moscow Zoo.
This is not the first time that Russia and North Korea have exchanged animals as gifts.
The Moscow Zoo donated more than 40 animals, including eagles, fruit bats, pheasants, cranes, parrots, and pythons, to the Pyongyang Zoo last April. Last June, North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un sent two rare Pungsan hunting dogs to President Putin ahead of his visit to North Korea.
