Putin Gifts Lion and Other Animals to North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un

The shipment included at least 70 animals, which were sent to North Korea's main zoo in Pyongyang. Alongside the lion and two brown bears, the cargo also contained two yaks, five cockatoos, dozens of pheasants, and ducks. Russia’s Environment Minister Alexander Kozlov announced the delivery on his official Telegram channel.

The animals were flown to Pyongyang in a cargo plane and are seen as a symbol of strengthening ties between the two nations, especially amidst growing tensions with the United States and South Korea.

This is not the first time Russia has sent animals to North Korea. Earlier this year, Putin gifted Kim 24 pairs of horses. The gesture followed reports that North Korea had supplied ammunition to Russia’s military forces.

In February, Putin also gifted Kim a Russian-made luxury car. According to North Korea's state news agency KCNA, Kim’s sister expressed gratitude for the gift, calling it a testament to the close relationship between the two leaders.

Kim, known for his fascination with cars, is reported to have an extensive collection of luxury foreign vehicles. However, details about the car or its transport to North Korea were not disclosed.

This latest exchange of gifts further underscores the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea amid heightened global scrutiny over their military and political alignments.