Russia has gifted over 70 animals to North Korea, sending them to the Pyongyang Central Zoo as a gesture indicating the strengthening ties between the two countries. The shipment includes a variety of animals such as an African lion, two brown bears, two domestic yaks, 40 mandarin ducks, 25 pheasants, and five white cockatoos.

Russian Environment Minister Alexander Kozlov called the gesture " a symbol of support, kindness and care” between the two countries as he transport the animals on a government plane.

Russian state media described the shipment as "Vladimir Putin's gift to the Korean people," stating that the animals are currently undergoing quarantine before being moved to enclosures at the Pyongyang Central Zoo, which has been a prominent landmark in the city since 1959.

This gesture comes at a time of growing ties between Russia and North Korea. In June, Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed a strategic partnership treaty, marking the closest alliance between the two countries since the Cold War.

According to reports from the U.S. and South Korea, North Korea sent the animals in exchange for thousands of troops that North Korea has sent to Russia to assist in its war against Ukraine.

Western nations are worried that the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea could allow Pyongyang to acquire advanced military technology from Russia, boosting its missile programs. Facing tough economic conditions and international sanctions, North Korea has turned to Moscow for support.

Apart from sending animals, Russia has shown multiple symbolic gestures of growing alliances with North Korea. Earlier this year, Putin gifted Kim 24 purebred horses as a token of appreciation for North Korea's artillery support. During his visit to Russia, Kim also received a Russian-made luxury limousine and other gifts.