In an article published on 26/5 on the Kremlin website, President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia transported 4 Amur tigers, captured in the Far East, to Kazakhstan by air.

Among these are two young tigers, intended to support Kazakhstan's efforts to restore its tiger population. The 4 tigers are expected to be released into the wild soon.

Putin announced the tiger donation before his visit to the Central Asian nation this week. Kazakhstan, a resource-rich country sharing a border with Russia, is a close ally of Moscow in the region.

Putin (center), places his hand on an anesthetized tiger being tagged in the Ussuri reserve, Russia, in 2008. Photo: Reuters.

Putin (center), places his hand on an anesthetized tiger being tagged in the Ussuri reserve, Russia, in 2008. Photo: Reuters.

Putin is no stranger to "animal diplomacy" policy. In 2022, Russia sent 30 purebred horses to North Korea as the two countries strengthened ties, appealing to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's passion for horsemanship.

Kazakhstan was once home to Caspian tigers, also known as Turan tigers, but the species disappeared from the region in the 20th century due to hunting and habitat loss. The country is now implementing a tiger reintroduction program at the Ile Balkhash Nature Reserve, utilizing Amur tigers as they are considered a very close relative of the extinct Caspian tiger. The Netherlands previously sent two Amur tigers to Kazakhstan in 2024.

During his visit, Putin is expected to meet with Kazakh leaders and attend sessions of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Discussions may include signing an agreement on a nuclear power project in Kazakhstan and increasing the transit of Russian and Chinese oil through the country's territory.