Etihad Cargo has supported the international rescue and relocation of two brown bears from Russia to a wildlife sanctuary in Ireland, providing specialist air transport and transit handling for a complex operation involving more than 100 people across multiple countries.
The bears, Bu and Tyapa, were transported from Moscow to Dublin via Etihad Cargo’s hub in Abu Dhabi, before being relocated to Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal. Their arrival in Ireland in early August marked the culmination of a five-year rescue effort led by Killian McLaughlin, founder and director of Wild Ireland.
Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, previously kept at a petting zoo, had spent years in unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia. Their relocation required international coordination, specialist animal transport arrangements and careful management throughout the journey.
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Specialist handling through Abu Dhabi
Etihad Cargo worked with Abu Dhabi Airports and Velora Aviation to coordinate the bears’ handling and transit at Zayed International Airport. The carrier transported the animals through its Abu Dhabi hub as part of the journey linking Moscow and Dublin.
The operation drew on Etihad Cargo’s experience in live-animal transportation, supported by its International Air Transport Association (IATA) CEIV Live Animals certification. The certification reflects the carrier’s focus on meeting established standards for animal welfare, safety and handling throughout the transport process.
Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad, said the operation demonstrated how the airline’s international network and logistics expertise could support wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
He added that the successful relocation reflected the collaboration between the airline and its international partners, giving the two bears an opportunity for a better life.
Bears settle into new forest habitat
Following their arrival in Ireland, Bu and Tyapa moved into their new forest habitat at Wild Ireland in September. The sanctuary reports encouraging signs of recovery as the bears gradually adapt to their new surroundings.
McLaughlin said the completion of the five-year mission was the result of sustained commitment and cooperation among people and organisations in several countries. The operation required partners to overcome significant logistical challenges to secure a suitable new home for the animals.
The rescue also highlights the role specialist air cargo services can play in animal welfare operations, where careful coordination, appropriate handling facilities and reliable transport links are essential to moving animals safely across borders.
Documentary planned for 2027
Abu Dhabi-based Moondance Productions is documenting the rescue, with a film covering the five-year mission scheduled for release in 2027.
Shane Brennan, chief executive of Moondance Productions, said documenting the effort had been a privilege, highlighting the cooperation between Wild Ireland, Etihad Cargo and the many international partners who helped secure a new home for Bu and Tyapa.
The operation illustrates how global air cargo networks can contribute beyond commercial freight movements, supporting complex humanitarian and conservation-related logistics initiatives through specialist expertise and international collaboration.
