August M
Kim Jong-un’s bizarre zoo where a goose is a main attraction
Kim Jong-un’s bizarre zoo where a goose is a main attraction
A glimpse inside North Korea’s unusual zoo
Zoos are typically seen as places of education, conservation, and wonder. From London to San Diego, they showcase biodiversity and offer a safe haven for endangered species.
But not all zoos follow the same blueprint. In North Korea, Kim Jong-un’s Central Zoo has gained international attention — not for its rare animals or cutting-edge design, but for its bizarre mix of creatures and propaganda-heavy messaging.
5,000 animals… and one lonely goose?
According to The Pyongyang Times, cited by Daily Star, the Korea Central Zoo houses around 5,000 animals across 650 species.
But visitors might find the displays underwhelming. Photos show a single goose enclosed in a plastic pen, a diver performing for an empty aquarium, and a bear seemingly begging for snacks. The concrete-heavy enclosures offer a stark contrast to the lush, immersive environments seen in Western zoos, Daily Star reports.
Baby boom or PR campaign?
Reports from The Pyongyang Times, cited by Daily Star, highlight a “booming” animal population, claiming that more than 1,000 new animals from over 100 species have arrived this year alone.
Newborns include a cub from an Asiatic black bear gifted to Kim Jong-il, as well as several puppies born to dogs presented by Kim Jong-un — including a German Pointer, Shih Tzu, and Cocker Spaniel.
Propaganda disguised as conservation
The Central Zoo’s official English website attributes every element of the zoo’s operation — from its animals to the bricks in the walls — to the “wise leadership” of North Korea’s rulers.
According to Daily Star, the report describes the facility as having reached “world-level civilization” thanks to these “peerlessly great men.” As Daily Star notes, the messaging appears to be less about animal welfare and more about glorifying leadership, with little evidence of modern zoological practices.
A surreal mix of pets and wildlife
The collection of animals includes an unusual mix of domestic breeds and exotic wildlife. Photos from the zoo feature a pony, dogs such as the Siberian Reika and Shih Tzu, and even a so-called “sacred baboon,” notes Daily Star.
Meanwhile, a lone wolf lies curled up in an enclosure, and sea lions swim in murky water. According to the Daily Star, these mismatched exhibits have left visitors both amused and bewildered.
An attraction like no other
Zoos often reflect a country’s values — whether it’s a focus on education, conservation, or public entertainment. In the case of North Korea, the Central Zoo serves a very different purpose: reinforcing state narratives and showcasing gifts from allies.
For tourists and locals alike, it’s less a sanctuary for animals and more a curated symbol of national pride — albeit with a pony, a goose, and a baboon thrown in.
This article is made and published by August M, who may have used AI in the preparation
