culture

Many people visit the Central Zoo to spend a pleasant time.

According to an official of the zoo, it has received thousands of visitors every day since early summer.

People get cheery at the entrance to the zoo depicting the head of a tiger with an open mouth. 

Near the entrance, there is an aquarium.

It keeps more than 240 species of fish from different parts of the world.

Various fishes in distinctive shapes swim freely to please the visitors and children in particular are reluctant to leave there as they adore fish with beautiful colours.

The tiger shed is one of eye-catchers of the zoo.

In the shed, there live white and Bengal tigers, African lions, etc. 

People especially like the Korean tiger, which is bigger, quicker and more intrepid than other sub-species and renowned for the beautiful pattern of the skin.

When the weather is sultry, the tigers which naturally lived in deep forests stay in their cool cages, but the lions from Africa roam around in the outdoor cage or slumber peacefully.

Elephants and giraffes seem to warmly welcome people.

The elephants of the zoo are so familiar with visitors they nod their heads when people tell them to bow, and then stretch out their long trunks or open their mouths wide to ask for a "reward".

The cat shed and dog house are favourite haunts for children and students especially.

“I have been visiting the Central Zoo every year since I came here with my parents for the first time when I was very young. Every time I visit the zoo, I come to the dog house without fail,” said O Sol Hyang, a student of Puksong Senior Middle School in Phyongchon District, Pyongyang.

Many of her friends like to see pet dogs, but she prefers to see the gallant and intelligent Phungsan, the national dog of the DPRK, she added.

In the house of parrots that can imitate people well, there is a kind of “conversation” between people and the birds, amusing visitors.

Loud laughs and applause ring out from everywhere in the Central Zoo.

A single day seems to be not enough to look round all the animal houses of the zoo as visitors find every house attractive, and every visitor says they will come there again before leaving.