DHL and Wildlife Organizations Relocate Rescued Tiger and Lynx from War-Affected Ukraine to Sanctuary in the United Kingdom

Tiger Aleks

(IN BRIEF) Two rescued wildcats from Ukraine — a white tiger named Aleks and a lynx named Lothar — have been relocated to a permanent sanctuary at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in the United Kingdom following a complex international rescue operation coordinated by DHL and several wildlife organizations. Both animals had been abandoned from illegal private ownership and were discovered in poor condition amid the disruption caused by the war in Ukraine. Aleks was found near Kharkiv suffering from severe malnutrition, dehydration, parasites, and organ problems, while Lothar had also endured neglect after being kept as an illegal pet. After receiving initial care at the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine, the animals traveled approximately 2,600 kilometers in a temperature-controlled vehicle from Ukraine through France and the Eurotunnel before reaching their new home in Lincolnshire. Veterinarians examined the animals upon arrival and placed them in specially designed enclosures where they will receive long-term care. The rescue mission highlights the growing issue of illegally kept wild animals and demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in wildlife protection and conservation logistics.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 4-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — DHL, together with international wildlife organizations, has helped relocate two rescued wildcats from war-affected Ukraine to a permanent sanctuary in the United Kingdom, giving the animals a chance to recover after surviving neglect and abandonment.

Aleks, a white tiger, and Lothar, a lynx, have been safely transferred to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in the UK following a coordinated international effort involving animal welfare groups, veterinarians, customs authorities, and logistics specialists. The rescue mission draws attention to the growing problem of illegally kept wild animals and the urgent need for cross-border cooperation to protect them.

Both animals were discovered in Ukraine last year after being released or abandoned from illegal private ownership. Their stories reflect a broader issue: wildcats kept as pets frequently experience neglect or poor living conditions, and the disruption caused by the war has worsened the situation, leaving many animals without proper care.

Aleks was found by Ukrainian soldiers near Kharkiv during the conflict and was in critical condition. The tiger was severely malnourished and dehydrated, suffering from parasites, skin infections, and serious liver and kidney complications. His condition had deteriorated to the point where he could barely stand. His owner had reportedly left him behind as the war escalated.

Lynx Lothar

Lothar, the lynx, endured a similar fate. Although exact numbers are unknown, wildlife organizations report that many wildcats are illegally kept in private homes. These animals are often purchased when young but later abandoned once they grow larger, become dangerous, or require expensive care.

Both animals were first brought to the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine for emergency care. From there, an extensive relocation plan was developed to transport them to a permanent sanctuary in the United Kingdom.

The journey, covering approximately 2,600 kilometers, was carefully coordinated by DHL in partnership with the NGOs Nadiya and the Wild Animals Rescue Center, as well as veterinary teams and customs authorities. The animals traveled in specially designed crates within a temperature-controlled transport vehicle to ensure their safety and comfort.

On February 25, under veterinary supervision, Aleks and Lothar began their trip from Ukraine to Calais, France. After crossing into the UK via the Eurotunnel, the journey continued by road to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in Boston, Lincolnshire. Two days later, on February 27, they arrived at their destination where veterinarians conducted medical examinations before releasing them into a specially prepared enclosure designed to meet their needs.

Nicola Leske, Head of Communications and Sustainability at DHL Group, emphasized the complexity of transporting live animals and the importance of careful coordination. She explained that animal transportation requires exceptional planning and attention because the cargo involves living beings that need special care. By combining logistics expertise with the efforts of multiple partners, the team was able to ensure that both animals reached a safe environment where they can begin their recovery.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is one of the United Kingdom’s largest facilities dedicated to rescuing animals and providing them with permanent sanctuary. The park specializes in caring for animals that cannot return to the wild due to captivity or health conditions.

Steve Nichols, Chief Executive Officer of Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, explained that Aleks and Lothar were born in captivity and lack the survival instincts needed to live independently in the wild. Sanctuaries such as Lincolnshire Wildlife Park provide the only realistic option for animals like them to live safely and receive proper care throughout their lives.

The relocation also reflects DHL’s broader involvement in wildlife conservation logistics. In 2024, the company supported the relocation of the chimpanzee Chocolat from Kenya to the UK and transported 25 rare bongo antelopes from the United States to Kenya. The logistics company has also handled complex transfers involving large animals such as manatees and hippos.

With Aleks and Lothar now settling into their new surroundings, the rescue mission serves as a reminder of the dangers of illegal wildlife ownership and the role international cooperation can play in protecting vulnerable animals.

Media contacts:

DHL Group
Laura Lehnen
+49 228 182-9944
pressestelle@dhl.com

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park
Steve Nichols (CEO)
+44 01754 820107
steve@lincswildlife.com

SOURCE: Deutsche Post AG