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The animals were transferred from the Moscow Zoo to the Pyongyang Central Zoo by plane and were accompanied by veterinarians, according to the statement.<\/p>\n

\u201cHistorically, animals always have played a special role in relations between states,\u201d said Russian Minister of Natural Resources\u00a0Alexander Kozlov, who oversaw the relocation of the animals. \u201cThey have been given as a sign of support, kindness and care,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

According to Kozlov, cooperation between Russia and the Democratic People\u2019s Republic of Korea is not only about the economy, trade and industry, but also includes a list of environmental projects. \u201cNow the friendship of the Moscow and Pyongyang zoos is one of them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith 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, as well as the exchange of experience and information on the care of rare species of animals,\u201d said Svetlana Akulova, general director of the Moscow Zoo.<\/p>\n

This is not the first time that Russia and North Korea have exchanged animals as gifts.<\/p>\n

The Moscow Zoo had already donated\u00a0more than 40 animals<\/a> to the Pyongyang Zoo in April, including eagles, fruit bats, pheasants, cranes, parrots and pythons. In June, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sent Putin two hunting\u00a0dogs<\/a> of the rare Pungsan breed, ahead of a visit by the Russian president to the country.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n