Etihad Cargo transports two rescued bears from Russia to Ireland
Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, rescued from a petting zoo, reached Wild Ireland in August after a five-year international rescue effort involving more than 100 people.
Etihad Cargo has transported two rescued brown bears from Russia to Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal, Ireland, supporting animal welfare and wildlife conservation efforts.
The bears, Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, who had been kept at a petting zoo, spent years living in unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia. Their arrival in Ireland on 4 August 2026 marked the end of a five-year international rescue effort led by Killian McLaughlin, Founder and Director of Wild Ireland, involving more than 100 people across multiple countries.
Etihad Cargo transported the bears from Moscow to Dublin via its Abu Dhabi hub. Working with Abu Dhabi Airports and Velora, its teams coordinated specialist handling and transit arrangements at Zayed International Airport.
The airline's cargo division holds IATA CEIV Live Animals certification, which supports its work in transporting live animals and reflects its commitment to animal safety, welfare and care throughout the journey.
This story was originally published by STAT Times. Read the full story at STAT Times →
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