DHL helps rescued Ukraine wildcats reach UK sanctuary safely

Two rescued wildcats from Ukraine, a white tiger and a lynx abandoned during the war, have begun a new life at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park after a complex international transfer supported by DHL Group.

Aleks, a white tiger, and Lothar, a lynx, were found in Ukraine last year after being released or abandoned from illegal private ownership. The animals were rescued and cared for before being transported to the United Kingdom, where they will now live in a safe and species-appropriate environment.

The rescue mission, highlighted on World Wildlife Day, also draws attention to the growing problem of wildcats kept illegally as pets. According to organisations involved in the rescue, many of these animals face neglect or are abandoned when owners can no longer care for them.

DHL worked with the NGOs Nadiya and Wild Animals Rescue Center, as well as veterinarians, customs authorities and the UK wildlife park to coordinate the animals’ relocation.

“For us, every shipment entrusted to us is something special, and we always look for the best solution. But transporting animals is particularly complex. It requires an extra level of care – after all, they are living beings and they need our special attention. Together with all our partners and our combined logistics expertise, we were able to bring Aleks and Lothar to a place where they will finally receive the care they deserve and can begin their long path to recovery,” said Nicola Leske.

Aleks was discovered by Ukrainian soldiers near Kharkiv during the war. He was found in very poor condition, suffering from parasites, skin infections, malnutrition and dehydration, along with impaired liver and kidney function. He was so weak that he could no longer stand after being abandoned by his owner as the war intensified.

Lothar appears to have gone through a similar experience. Non-governmental organisations report a steady number of cases of wildcats being kept illegally in private homes. Many are bought as cubs and later abandoned when they become too dangerous, expensive or unwanted.

Both animals were first taken to the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine. From there, they travelled around 2,600 kilometres in a specialised temperature-controlled vehicle to their new home at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in the UK.

On February 25, under veterinary supervision, the animals began their journey in specially designed transport crates aboard a large transport van. They travelled from Ukraine to Calais, passed through the Eurotunnel and then continued by road to the park.

They arrived on February 27, where they were examined by a veterinarian before being released into a specially built enclosure.

“Aleks and Lothar were born in captivity and would not survive in the wild. They lack the instincts typical of wild animals, such as hunting. Facilities like ours are the only way animals like them can live a safe and fulfilling life,” said Steve Nichols.

DHL has supported several wildlife rescue logistics missions in recent years. In 2024, the company transported the chimpanzee Chocolat from Kenya to the United Kingdom. The same year, it also moved 25 rare bongo antelopes from the United States to Kenya, along with other animal relocations including manatees and hippos.