Etihad Cargo has transported two rescued brown bears from Russia to a wildlife sanctuary in Ireland, concluding a five-year international rescue mission involving more than 100 people.
The bears, Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, previously kept at a petting zoo, arrived at Wild Ireland, a wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal, on August 4, 2026, after years in unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia.
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, transported the bears from Moscow to Dublin through its Abu Dhabi hub, working with Abu Dhabi Airports and Velora to coordinate specialist handling and transit arrangements at Zayed International Airport.

The operation was part of a rescue effort led by Killian McLaughlin, founder and director of Wild Ireland, with more than 100 people across several countries contributing to the mission.
Etihad Cargo said its expertise in transporting live animals, supported by its International Air Transport Association (IATA), Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) Live Animals certification, helped ensure appropriate handling and care throughout the journey.
Stanislas Brun, Etihad’s chief cargo officer, said the operation demonstrated how international transport networks could support animal welfare and wildlife conservation.

“At Etihad Cargo, we believe our global network and expertise can play a meaningful role in supporting wildlife conservation and animal welfare,” Brun said. “Bu and Tyapa’s rescue is a powerful example of how collaboration can give animals a second chance at life.”
He added that the airline was proud to have supported the mission alongside its partners, noting that its operations extended beyond connecting markets to making a positive difference.
The bears moved into their new forest habitat at Wild Ireland in September, where they are reportedly showing encouraging signs of recovery and gradually adapting to their surroundings.

McLaughlin said their arrival marked the culmination of five years of challenges and international cooperation.
“After five years of challenges, seeing Bu and Tyapa finally reach their new home is incredibly rewarding,” he said. “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 mission is also being documented by Abu Dhabi-based Moondance Productions, which plans to release a documentary chronicling the five-year effort in 2027.

Shane Brennan, chief executive officer of Moondance Productions, said documenting the operation had been a privilege, highlighting the commitment of McLaughlin, Etihad Cargo and the international partners involved.
“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,” Brennan said.
He added that the production team was passionate about capturing the extraordinary journey across continents.
The operation highlights the role of international partnerships and specialist animal transport services in supporting wildlife rescue efforts and helping animals move from unsuitable conditions to dedicated sanctuaries.