Etihad Champions Wildlife Conservation as Two Rescued Bears Find a Safe Haven in Ireland

Two brown bears rescued from unsuitable conditions in Russia have reached a new home in Ireland following an international relocation supported by Etihad Cargo. Bu and Tyapa arrived on 4 August 2026 after being flown from Moscow to Dublin through Abu Dhabi, bringing a five-year rescue effort to a successful conclusion.

The Etihad Airways wildlife conservation effort highlights the importance of specialist air freight in animal welfare operations that cross national borders. With more than 100 people involved in the mission, the journey also demonstrates how airlines, airport partners and conservation organisations can work together to protect particularly vulnerable animals.

Five-Year International Rescue Brings Two Brown Bears from Russia to Ireland

Both bears had endured unsuitable conditions for years in Dagestan, Russia. Bu had been used as a circus bear, while Tyapa had been housed at a petting zoo. Their circumstances prompted a lengthy rescue campaign led by Killian McLaughlin, Founder and Director of Wild Ireland, the wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal that would become their destination.

The complex operation took five years to complete and brought together more than 100 people working across several countries. Such cooperation was central to the transfer, with the animals’ journey depending on contributions from conservation specialists and international transport partners.

The Etihad Airways bear rescue mission formed a critical part of those efforts by providing the international air transport needed to bring Bu and Tyapa closer to their new home. Their arrival in Ireland on 4 August marked a major milestone, although their move into a dedicated forest habitat took place the following month.

Etihad Cargo Coordinates Specialist Animal Transportation Through Abu Dhabi

Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, successfully transported the animals from Moscow to Dublin via its hub in Abu Dhabi. The transit stage required close coordination with Abu Dhabi Airports and Velora, whose involvement helped support specialist handling and transit arrangements at Zayed International Airport.

Such procedures are important when live animals are moved between countries. Their safety and welfare require careful attention throughout every stage of a connected journey.

Etihad Cargo’s IATA CEIV Live Animals certification underpinned its role in the operation. The certification reflects recognised standards for the transportation and handling of live animals and was identified by the airline as part of its commitment to animal care.

By supporting wildlife conservation through aviation, the cargo operator demonstrated a use of its global network beyond conventional freight movements. The Etihad Airways bear rescue mission also placed airport cooperation at the heart of the operation.

International Collaboration Reinforces Etihad Airways’ Commitment to Animal Welfare

Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad, presented the relocation as an example of how the airline’s network and expertise could be applied to conservation and animal welfare. He emphasised the value of collaboration in giving vulnerable animals another chance, and expressed pride in the role played by Etihad Cargo and its partners.

For Wild Ireland, the operation concluded a prolonged international effort. McLaughlin described the bears’ arrival as especially rewarding after five years of difficulties. The outcome, he explained, had been made possible through the kindness, determination and cooperation of people in multiple countries.

These accounts point to a shared objective rather than a conventional cargo assignment. Etihad Airways wildlife conservation efforts were reflected in practical transport support, while rescue organisers maintained the commitment needed for relocation. Together, their work offers a concrete example of wildlife conservation through aviation, without overlooking the many participants who made the transfer possible.

Rescued Brown Bears Begin Recovery at Wild Ireland as Documentary Plans Advance

After arriving in Ireland in August, Bu and Tyapa moved into their new forest habitat at the Wild Ireland wildlife sanctuary in September 2026. Both bears have since shown encouraging signs of recovery and have gradually begun adjusting to their surroundings.

Their progress marks an important development for the rescued brown bears in Ireland, whose previous experiences had taken place in environments described as unsuitable. The sanctuary has provided a forest setting, although their adjustment remains gradual.

Abu Dhabi-based Moondance Productions is documenting the rescue. A film chronicling the five-year operation is expected to be released in 2027. Shane Brennan, the production company’s Chief Executive Officer, described the international cooperation behind the rescue as a source of hope and considered documenting the journey a privilege.

The documentary is expected to tell the story of the rescued brown bears in Ireland, tracing the rescue campaign and the international collaboration behind it.

Conclusion

The relocation of Bu and Tyapa demonstrates how specialised cargo operations can support animal welfare when conservation teams need to move rescued wildlife across borders. Through the Etihad Airways wildlife conservation effort, the two bears were transported safely from Moscow to Dublin via Abu Dhabi before settling into their new habitat at the Wild Ireland wildlife sanctuary.

Their recovery has provided an encouraging outcome after a five-year effort involving more than 100 people. As their journey is documented for a planned 2027 release, the mission stands as an example of cooperation between aviation partners and wildlife rescuers across multiple countries.