• Lufthansa Cargo has transported Mir, a rescued tiger from war-affected Ukraine, to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa via its Frankfurt hub.
• The operation, carried out in partnership with rescue organisations and specialist animal logistics provider FlyFauna BV.
• It highlights the vital role of air cargo in supporting international wildlife conservation through specialist live animal transport.

According to a post published by Lufthansa Cargo on LinkedIn, the carrier recently transported Mir, a rescued tiger, from Brussels via Frankfurt to his new home at the Isindile Big Cat & Predator Sanctuary in South Africa. The recent relocation of a rescued tiger from war-affected Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa illustrates the sector’s role in supporting international conservation efforts alongside its commercial operations.

Mir was originally kept as a pet in a private garden in Ukraine before being abandoned after his owner fled the country following the outbreak of war. In April 2023, he was transferred to the Wild Animal Rescue Centre near Kyiv, where staff continued to care for the animal despite power shortages, severe winter conditions and the operational challenges created by the ongoing conflict.

“We are proud to have been chosen for Mir’s journey to Africa. During his transit, he stayed at our Animal Lounge in Frankfurt, where animals receive professional care in a safe and calm environment – whether they are arriving, departing, or connecting to their next destination.”

The next stage of Mir’s journey began when Belgium’s Natuurhulpcentrum Oudsbergen, a specialist wildlife rescue organisation, arranged for his transfer to Europe before a permanent home was secured in South Africa. Lufthansa Cargo was selected to operate the long-haul transport, with the tiger passing through the airline’s Animal Lounge in Frankfurt, where specialist facilities provide professional care for animals during transit.

Reflecting on the mission, Lufthansa Cargo said: “Some cargo changes lives. This shipment changed one forever.”

The airline added that colleagues handling the shipment were “deeply moved by his story” as Mir departed Frankfurt aboard flight LH572 for South Africa. The relocation also involved Belgian specialist animal transport company FlyFauna BV. It highlighted the close coordination required between rescue organisations, specialist freight providers and airline cargo teams when transporting live animals internationally.

“We are proud to contribute our expertise to initiatives that give rescued animals a second chance. Because moving cargo is about more than connecting markets, it is also about connecting lives and creating brighter futures. All the best, Mir. May your next adventure be your best one yet,” summarised in Lufthansa Cargo.

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