Smoking chimpanzee in North Korean zoo: Interesting? Or just plain wrong?

A smoking chimpanzee has emerged as the new star of a North Korean zoo.

According to officials at Pyongyang’s newly renovated zoo, which has become a favourite leisure spot in the North Korean capital since it re-opened in July, Azaela the chimpanzee smokes about a pack a day.

When thrown a lighter by her zoo trainer, Azaela can light-up on her own before sitting down for a puff.

Whilst such a scene would be frowned upon in other countries, thousands of North Koreans are visiting the zoo every day to catch a glimpse of the smoking chimpanzee.

Zoo keepers insist that Azaela does not inhale whilst smoking and that no damage is done by the stunt.