November 22, 2024: In a rare and symbolic exchange between Russia and North Korea, over 70 exotic animals, including an African lion, two brown bears, and 45 pheasants, have been sent to Pyongyang as a gesture of goodwill amidst growing ties between the two nations. The animals were transported by air and arrived at the Pyongyang Central Zoo, accompanied by veterinarians from Moscow Zoo to ensure their safe relocation.

Russia's Natural Resources Minister, Alexander Kozlov, supervised the transfer, which was documented in a video showing the animals being unloaded from a government aircraft. In one particularly striking moment, the lion was filmed in its new enclosure at the zoo, marking a special moment in this unique diplomatic exchange. Kozlov, in a Telegram post, emphasized that animals have historically played an important role in fostering international relations, symbolizing support, kindness, and care.

This exchange comes in the wake of strengthened military and political relations between Russia and North Korea. Earlier this year, the two countries signed a mutual defense pact, committing to provide immediate military support in the event of an invasion. North Korea's military assistance to Russia has already been put into action, with 10,000 North Korean troops sent to bolster Russian forces amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The animal gift is the latest in a series of diplomatic gestures between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un. In a previous exchange, Putin gifted Kim 24 prized purebred horses, a known favorite of the North Korean leader, in return for which Kim sent a pair of local dogs.

Both Russia and North Korea remain under significant Western sanctions, which has likely spurred this closer partnership as both countries seek to navigate their isolation from the global community.