Etihad Cargo flies rescued bears from Russia to Ireland

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Cargo has flown two rescued brown bears from Russia to their new home at Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal.

Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, who had been kept at a petting zoo, spent years living in what are said to have been unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia.

They landed in Ireland on 4 August 2026, an event that marked the successful conclusion of a five-year international rescue effort led by Killian McLaughlin, founder and director of Wild Ireland, one that involved more than 100 people in various countries.

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of UAE flag-carrier Etihad Airways, flew the bears from Moscow to Dublin via its hub in Abu Dhabi.

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