Cargolux Facilitates Critical Airlift for Rescued Bears in Need

Exciting news from the Wildheart Animal Sanctuary on the Isle of Wight! Cargolux, Europe’s top all-cargo airline, has stepped up to sponsor flights for Benji and Balu, two European Brown Bears being rescued from Azerbaijan.

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The journey to bring these bears home is no small feat. The priority was to ensure their travel was as humane as possible while minimizing transit time. Options like road or sea transport would have been tough on them, so a direct flight to the UK became essential.

Initially, it seemed like an uphill battle due to high costs and limited options. thankfully, Cargolux came through with a generous offer: they not only provided a free flight for Benji and Balu but also arranged for specialized crates needed for their safe transport from Europe to Azerbaijan—somthing that had never been done before in this region. The bears will cover nearly 3,000 miles in just 5-6 hours directly into the UK!

“Without Cargolux’s support, this project might not have happened,” said lawrence Bates, CEO of Wildheart Sanctuary.”This expense was one of our biggest hurdles.” He praised Cargolux’s experience with animal transport—like when they moved two beluga whales from China to Iceland’s first open-water sanctuary—and highlighted how their values align perfectly with those of the sanctuary.

“At Cargolux, we’re dedicated to promoting animal welfare,” stated Richard Forson, President and CEO. “Collaborations like this are crucial for us as we strive to make a positive impact.” Their expertise in live animal transportation makes them ideal partners in relocating Benji and Balu.

A skilled team is managing the complex logistics involved in moving these bears across continents. Custom crates are being designed specifically for their comfort during travel; veterinarians will accompany them throughout their journey ensuring everything goes smoothly until they reach overland transport upon arrival in the UK. After that? A scenic trip across Solent waters awaits them before reaching their new home on the Isle of wight sometime around June—pending all necessary paperwork!

This new habitat marks a notable change from what Benji and Balu have known—a life confined with concrete floors and no access to natural elements or proper care at all! In contrast, they’ll soon enjoy an expansive 3,500sqm enclosure filled with grasslands, trees for climbing or hiding under during hibernation periods—all complemented by expert care tailored towards rehabilitation thanks largely due community fundraising efforts.