Report: North Korean leader visits Pyongyang zoo

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Published: DECEMBER 2, 2008 08:23
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il went to the Pyongyang zoo and visited the tigers, bears and aquarium, state-run media said Tuesday, the latest in a spate of reports depicting Kim as fit three months after his reported stroke. During the visit, Kim praised the reconstruction of the Central Zoo at the foot of Mount Taesong, calling it a treasure of the communist nation, the Korean Central News Agency said from the capital, Pyongyang. He noted the zoo houses a variety of animals - some rare - sent as gifts from around the world, and called on zookeepers to make sure to care for them, said the report, monitored in Seoul. KCNA also released a photo showing Kim standing next to a pond, wearing a winter parka, thick gloves and sunglasses. The image shows Kim using his right hand to point to something, as a group of aides stand in a row behind him. Kim, 66, is believed to have suffered a stroke in August, but North Korea has steadfastly denied he was ever ill. There is speculation the reported stroke may have affected Kim's left hand. Most recently released photos show him with his left hand tucked into his jacket pocket.