Vladimir Putin and Leonardo DiCaprio meet in St. Petersburg

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin discussed on November 23 the problem of preserving the Earth’s tiger population with the Hollywood star. Leonardo DiCaprio, who arrived in St. Petersburg to attend the International Tiger Conservation Forum in St. Petersburg, has Russian roots.

The Russian premier told DiCaprio that the idea to create a special program to support tigers emerged in Russia. However, he said the program would not solve all the problems.

“A lot more should be done. However, experts believe that at the moment the number of tigers is optimum in this country because it matches the existing food supplies,” Putin said.

The premier also asked DiCaprio how he got involved in tiger protection projects.

The Hollywood actor said tiger protection experts had turned to him for help. He also told Putin about his trips to India, Indonesia and Nepal.

Putin asked DiCaprio about his long journey to Russia. The actor’s first plane was forced to land in New York's JFK airport due to an engine flameout, and his second plane ran out of fuel during the flight over the Atlantic and had to be refueled in Helsinki.

Putin said DiCaprio “busted” into St. Petersburg as if “from across the Front Line.”

DiCaprio said it was his first visit to St. Petersburg and he that wanted to go sightseeing on Wednesday. Photo: U.S. actor Leonardo DiCaprio (bottom right) signs autographs at the Mikhailovsky Theatre after a concert devoted to the International Tiger Protection Forum. Russian businessman Vladislav Doronin (left).

The meeting of Vladimir Putin and Leonardo DiCaprio was held after the concert at the Mikhailovsky Theatre devoted to the International Tiger Protection Forum. The forum was attended by representatives from 13 countries.