Putin Gifts More Than 70 Lions, Brown Bears, etc. to Pyongyang Zoo in North Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin has presented more than 70 animals, including lions and brown bears, to the North Korean zoo, local media reported.

"Alexandr Kozlov has ordered the transfer of more than 70 animals from Moscow Zoo to Pyongyang Central Zoo, a gift from Putin to North Koreans," Russia's natural resources ministry said in a statement, according to the Tas news agency.

"An African lion, two brown bears, and two yaks will live in a zoo in North Korea," he said.

Kozlov added that it is the first time Russia has sent female lions, bears and yaks to North Korea.

A delegation from the Moscow Zoo visited North Korea in April and donated eagles and other animals to the Central Zoo.

Recently, Russia and North Korea have frequently exchanged gifts and showed off their close ties.

In August, Putin exported 24 horses of the Orlov Trotter variety known as Kim Jong-un's "amma" to North Korea.

Chairman of the states Affairs Commission Kim also presented two Pungsan dogs to President Putin.