Upgrades to Pyongyang’s Central Zoo include construction of a 65-meter turtle-shaped building, and a larger construction in the shape of a bird’s wing, satellite imagery and a bulletin from Korean Central Television (KCTV) reveal.
The new buildings are just a small part of the massive refurbishment project, which appears to be nearing completion.
“(Workers at the zoo) are the in last stage, cooperating with companies who are charge of the construction,” the KCTV news report says.
The TV report also mentions two aviaries are under construction, one to house wild birds and the other for songbirds, which could be the wing-shaped building with attached dome.
August satellite imagery showing turtle- and wing-shaped buildings. Image credit: Google earth
The most recent satellite imagery from August shows the completed turtle building as well as the possible aviary. The wing-shaped part of the building appeared finished in the satellite image, however the adjoining dome looks to have been completed in the intervening months.
A photo obtained by NK News taken less than two weeks ago from the overlooking Mount Taesong also shows the completed dome, turtle building and another larger construction further in the distance.
The turtle building, aviary dome and larger building in the distance. Image credit: Simon Cockerell
The satellite imagery however indicates a large section of the zoo’s western area appeared in an earlier construction phase in August, while other enclosures however on northern side were completed in April 2014.
The long running refurbishment has kept the zoo of off tourist itineraries for over a year.
“It’s closed for renovation at present, it’s looking like it is being totally changed,” Simon Cockerell, general manager of Koryo Tours told NK News.
“It has been on our itineraries previously for a few longer tours but not for over a year now since it’s been undergoing a massive renovation … I drove past it about a month ago, a lot of new buildings going up,” Rowan Beard from Young Pioneer Tours added.
Picture showing the wing-shaped building. Image credit: KCTV
Though no final opening date has been set, many constructions projects in North Korea are scheduled to be completed for October 10, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Worker’s Party.
Another photo of the zoo’s entrance also indicates further work is required before the project is fully complete. The image – which was also taken less than two weeks ago – shows scaffolding still in place, over an as yet unfinished sculpture.
The zoo’s entrance. Image credit: Simon Cockerell
Prior to the refurbishment project, the zoo was reportedly not the most popular tourist destination.
“It was pretty basic, although not quite as horrible as some other zoos I’ve been to. Heavy on concrete though, which isn’t the most natural of materials to make animals feel at home,” Cockerell added.
Pyongyang’s central zoo was last in the headlines when Russian media revealed it was the destination for “a golden eagle; four bharals, also known as Himalayan blue sheep; 10 Mandarin ducks; two otters; and three meerkats,” an online statement from the Novosibirsk Zoo reads.
Featured image: Google Earth
