Two Rescued Bears Fly Moscow to Ireland via Abu Dhabi
Owners and sanctuaries planning international animal moves should expect longer routes where direct flights are restricted.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Wildlife
Etihad Cargo flew two rescued brown bears, Bu and Tyapa, from Moscow to Dublin via its Abu Dhabi hub, arriving in Ireland on August 4. The bears now live in a forest habitat at the Wild Ireland sanctuary in County Donegal, where they moved in September.
Why it matters
The rescue shows how a relocation of this kind requires coordinated air cargo, veterinary care, and quarantine across several countries. Restrictions on direct flights between Russia and the European Union following the war in Ukraine, along with wider airspace disruptions, made the logistics harder.
Two brown bears, Bu, a former circus bear, and Tyapa, previously kept at a petting zoo, were moved in a five-year rescue involving more than 100 people. Specialist animal transport company Intradco Global provided its services free of charge.
The players
Etihad Cargo
The cargo arm of Abu Dhabi's Etihad Airways, which handles specialized freight including live animal transport.
Intradco Global
A specialist animal transport company that provided its services free of charge for this relocation.
Wild Ireland
A wildlife sanctuary in County Donegal that now houses Bu and Tyapa in a forest habitat.
The details
Etihad Cargo transported the bears from Moscow to Dublin through its Abu Dhabi hub and worked with Abu Dhabi Airports and Velora to coordinate specialist handling at Zayed International Airport. After arriving, both bears received veterinary care and quarantine before moving into a forest habitat at Wild Ireland in County Donegal in September. The bears had spent years in unsuitable conditions in Dagestan, Russia, before the rescue.
Timeline
Five-year period ending 2026: international rescue effort supported by Etihad Cargo.
August 4, 2026: Bu and Tyapa arrived in Ireland.
September 2026: The bears moved into the Wild Ireland forest habitat.
The Home Front
The route required a detour through Abu Dhabi because direct flights between Russia and the European Union have been restricted since the war in Ukraine began. Wider airspace disruptions added further logistical hurdles to the relocation.
If you are planning to bring an exotic or rescued animal across a border, check with the relevant airline and veterinary authorities well in advance, since routes can change with flight restrictions. Licensed animal transport providers and accredited sanctuaries can advise on the paperwork and quarantine steps required.
The takeaway
Relocating animals across international borders depends on coordinated airline, veterinary, and quarantine planning that can shift when flight routes change. If you ever need to move a pet abroad, verify current requirements with your airline and a licensed veterinarian before booking.
Further reading
For more on animals rescued and relocated across borders, browse our Wildlife coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Travelnews.
