Inside North Korea’s Central Zoo: Propaganda, Peculiarities, and a Prominent Goose

In a country renowned for its secrecy and isolation, North Korea’s Central Zoo offers a rare and revealing glimpse into the nation’s approach to wildlife conservation and public entertainment. Unlike its counterparts around the world, this zoo has gained international attention not for its conservation efforts or rare specimens, but for its unusual collection of animals and heavy propaganda messaging.

Located in Pyongyang, the Korea Central Zoo reportedly houses approximately 5,000 animals representing 650 species, according to The Pyongyang Times as cited by the Daily Star. Yet visitors might find the reality starkly different from what they would experience at facilities in London, San Diego, or other major international zoos.

Among the most peculiar exhibits is a solitary goose displayed in a plastic enclosure – elevated to the status of a main attraction despite its commonplace nature. Photos reveal a diver performing for what appears to be an empty aquarium, while a bear can be seen seemingly begging visitors for snacks.

The physical environment of the zoo presents an equally stark contrast to modern zoological standards. Concrete-heavy enclosures dominate the landscape, with little evidence of the naturalistic habitats that have become standard in contemporary facilities worldwide. This design philosophy reflects both practical limitations and a different approach to animal welfare than what Western visitors might expect.

North Korean state media has recently highlighted what they describe as a “booming” animal population at the facility. Reports claim more than 1,000 new animals from over 100 species have arrived this year alone. These new additions reportedly include a cub born to an Asiatic black bear – one originally gifted to former leader Kim Jong-il – and several puppies from dogs presented by current leader Kim Jong-un, including breeds like German Pointer, Shih Tzu, and Cocker Spaniel.

The Central Zoo’s official English-language materials offer another window into North Korea’s unique approach. Every element of the zoo’s operation – from its animal collection to its physical infrastructure – is attributed to the “wise leadership” of the country’s rulers. The facility is described as having reached “world-level civilization” thanks to these “peerlessly great men,” suggesting that the institution serves as much as a vehicle for political messaging as for public education or animal conservation.

The collection itself represents an unusual amalgamation of wildlife and domestic animals. Alongside traditional zoo species, visitors can find exhibits featuring a pony, various dog breeds including Siberian Reika and Shih Tzu, and what is described as a “sacred baboon.” Meanwhile, traditional zoo animals like a solitary wolf or sea lions swimming in less-than-pristine water create a disjointed experience that has reportedly left visitors both perplexed and amused.

This unusual assortment may reflect both North Korea’s limited access to exotic species and the zoo’s function as a showcase for gifts from international allies and the country’s leadership. Unlike most international facilities that prioritize conservation, education, or research, the Central Zoo appears primarily designed to reinforce state narratives and serve as a symbol of national achievement.

The contrast between North Korea’s zoo and its international counterparts highlights how such institutions can reflect broader societal values and priorities. While modern zoos worldwide have increasingly emphasized animal welfare, conservation, and natural habitats, North Korea’s Central Zoo seems frozen in an earlier era of zoological design, where animals were displayed primarily as curiosities rather than as ambassadors for their species.

For the limited number of tourists allowed to visit and for local residents, the Central Zoo offers a unique cultural experience – one where a solitary goose can achieve star status, and where every exhibit serves as a reminder of the country’s leadership and its vision for the nation.

In a global context where zoos increasingly struggle with ethical questions about their very existence, North Korea’s Central Zoo exists in a category of its own – neither fully embracing modern conservation standards nor completely abandoning the educational purpose of such institutions, but instead creating something distinctly reflective of the country’s isolated position in the world.