Logistics provider DHL helped evacuate Aleks, a white tiger, and Lothar, a lynx, from Ukraine. The two now live permanently and in species-appropriate conditions at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in Great Britain. The operation also raises awareness of illegally kept wild cats.
The two wildcats rescued from Ukraine had been abandoned by their former owners during the war, having been kept illegally as private pets. Both animals were initially taken to the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine. From there, Aleks and Lothar began their approximately 2,600-kilometer journey to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in Boston, UK, in a specially equipped, temperature-controlled transport vehicle.
Temperature-controlled travel
Together with the NGOs Nadiya and the Wild Animals Rescue Center, veterinarians, customs authorities and the Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, DHL helped to coordinate and support the animals' journey to their new, safe home.
Aleks
“For us, every shipment entrusted to us is special, and we always strive for the best solution. But transporting animals is particularly demanding. It requires an extra level of care”says Nicola Leske, Head of Communications & Sustainability at DHL.
Aleks was discovered by Ukrainian soldiers near Kharkiv. His condition was very poor: he suffered from parasites, skin infections, malnutrition, dehydration, and impaired liver and kidney function. He was so weak he could no longer stand. His previous owner had abandoned him as the war escalated.
discovered near Kharkiv
Lothar the lynx also appears to have endured a similar ordeal. There are no official figures, but NGOs report a constant number of illegally kept wildcats in private homes. Many are acquired as kittens and later abandoned when they become too dangerous, too expensive, or simply no longer wanted.
Lynx Lothar
On February 25th, Aleks and Lothar began their journey – under veterinary supervision and in specially made transport crates aboard a large van. They traveled from Ukraine to Calais (France), through the Eurotunnel to Great Britain, and continued their journey by road to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. There, on February 27th, they were examined by a veterinarian and then moved to an enclosure built especially for them.
Born in captivity
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is one of the UK's largest facilities providing lifelong sanctuaries for animals. Steve Nichols, head of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, explains: "Aleks and Lothar were born in captivity and wouldn't survive in the wild. They lack basic instincts like hunting. Facilities like ours are the only way to give such animals a safe and fulfilling life."
Arrived safely
DHL has amassed considerable experience in supporting and rescuing wildlife. In 2024, the company transported the chimpanzee Chocolat from Kenya to Great Britain. That same year, DHL transported 25 rare bongo antelopes from the USA to Kenya. Even truly massive animals like manatees and hippos have been transported by DHL.
