Etihad Cargo transports two rescued bears from Russia to Ireland

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.

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad, said, "At Etihad Cargo, we believe our global network and expertise can play a meaningful role in supporting wildlife conservation and animal welfare. Bu and Tyapa's rescue is a powerful example of how collaboration can give animals a second chance at life. We are proud to have supported this remarkable mission alongside our partners, demonstrating that what we do goes beyond connecting markets to making a positive difference."

The bears moved into their new forest habitat at Wild Ireland in September, where they are showing encouraging signs of recovery and gradually adapting to their natural surroundings.

McLaughlin said, "After five years of challenges, seeing Bu and Tyapa finally reach their new home is incredibly rewarding. This rescue would not have been possible without the kindness, determination and collaboration of people across multiple countries. Together, we have given these bears the chance of a better life."

The rescue is being documented by Abu Dhabi-based Moondance Productions. A documentary chronicling the five-year mission is expected to be released in 2027.

Shane Brennan, Chief Executive Officer of Moondance Productions, said, "Watching Killian, Etihad Cargo and so many international partners come together to give two neglected bears a second chance has filled me with real hope in an age that can often feel increasingly bleak. As filmmakers, it has been both a privilege and a passion to capture this extraordinary journey across continents."