Etihad Cargo has supported a five-year international rescue effort by transporting two brown bears from Russia to a wildlife sanctuary in Ireland.
The bears, Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, previously kept at a petting zoo, spent years in unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia. They arrived in Ireland on August 4 following a complex relocation effort involving more than 100 people across several countries.
Specialist transport via Abu Dhabi
Etihad Cargo transported the bears from Moscow to Dublin via its Abu Dhabi hub, working with Abu Dhabi Airports and Velora to coordinate specialist handling and transit arrangements at Zayed International Airport.
The operation required international coordination and careful planning to ensure the animals' welfare throughout the journey.
The rescue faced several logistical challenges, including restrictions on direct flights between Russia and the European Union following the war in Ukraine, as well as wider airspace disruptions. Specialist animal transport company Intradco Global also supported the operation, providing its services free of charge, while Etihad Cargo offered reduced transport rates.
Following veterinary care and quarantine, Bu and Tyapa moved into their new forest habitat at Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal, in September. Both are showing encouraging signs of physical recovery as they gradually adapt to their new surroundings.
The five-year rescue was led by Killian McLaughlin, founder and director of Wild Ireland, with support from international partners and volunteers.
Abu Dhabi-based Moondance Productions is documenting the operation, with a documentary chronicling the rescue expected to be released in 2027. Watch the documentary trailer here.
