DHL Leads Specialized Wildlife Logistics Operation Relocating Tigers and Lions from Honduras to Long-Term Sanctuary Care

DHL Leads Specialized Wildlife Logistics Operation Relocating Tigers and Lions from Honduras to Long-Term Sanctuary Care

(IN BRIEF) DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express coordinated Honduras’ first international rescue mission for large wild cats, relocating five tigers and three lions from San Pedro Sula to accredited sanctuaries in the United States. The animals, whose long-term welfare needs could no longer be met locally, underwent months of veterinary treatment and preparation before traveling under continuous supervision by four veterinarians. DHL worked with local authorities and wildlife organizations to design a transport plan focused on minimizing stress, including specialized crates, a quiet loading environment, and a dedicated cargo flight to Miami. The animals have now been placed at Carolina Tiger Rescue and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where they will receive lifelong care in environments better suited to their species-specific needs. The mission highlights DHL’s experience in wildlife logistics and its ongoing involvement in conservation-related transport initiatives.

(PRESS RELEASE) BONN, 25-Feb-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — DHL Global Forwarding and DHL Express have successfully coordinated Honduras’ first international rescue mission involving large wild cats, transporting eight animals to permanent sanctuary homes in the United States under continuous veterinary supervision. The operation relocated five tigers and three lions from San Pedro Sula, Honduras, to accredited wildlife sanctuaries capable of meeting their long-term welfare requirements after their previous environment could no longer provide species-appropriate care.

Following months of rehabilitation and preparation, the animals — Guru, Sultan, Amir, Deborah, Aira, Cyrus, Zephora and Juancito — began their journey to new facilities where they will receive lifelong professional care. Although they had been maintained with dedication in Honduras, their surroundings lacked the specialized resources necessary for their physical and behavioral needs.

Celia Chinchilla, Country Operations Manager for DHL Global Forwarding Honduras, emphasized the broader role logistics can play in humanitarian and conservation initiatives, noting that the project demonstrates how transport expertise can contribute to meaningful improvements in animal welfare.

Across many regions of the world, large predators continue to be kept in environments that do not support their natural behaviors, including private collections and improvised attractions. Once rescued, these animals typically cannot return to the wild and instead depend on specialized sanctuaries for long-term rehabilitation and care. The eight cats involved in this mission underwent extensive veterinary treatment and behavioral conditioning to prepare them for safe relocation.

Veterinary teams oversaw every stage of the preparation and transport process. Each animal received comprehensive health assessments, individualized sedation protocols, and stress-minimizing care. Veterinarians remained with the animals throughout the journey, closely observing vital signs and comfort levels from departure until arrival.

Specialized Wildlife Logistics

DHL has accumulated significant experience in transporting endangered and rescued wildlife, supporting conservation groups in relocating vulnerable species from unsuitable or unsafe conditions to protected environments. This expertise was critical for the Honduras mission, which required careful coordination among multiple organizations and authorities.

Working alongside Little French Key, the Institute for Forest Conservation, Protected Areas and Wildlife (ICF), the Regional International Organization for Agricultural Health (OIRSA), Honduras Customs, and airport authorities in San Pedro Sula, DHL developed a detailed logistics plan centered on minimizing stress for the animals.

A secluded area at the airport was reserved to provide a calm loading environment, while specially designed transport crates helped reduce noise and external disturbances. DHL Express provided a dedicated cargo aircraft for a direct flight to Miami to limit travel time and avoid unnecessary transfers. Four veterinarians accompanied the animals on board to provide continuous care.

Permanent Sanctuary Homes

Upon arrival in Miami, the big cats were transferred to two wildlife sanctuaries accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries: Carolina Tiger Rescue and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. These facilities provide large natural habitats, enrichment programs designed to encourage natural behaviors, and comprehensive veterinary support throughout the animals’ lives.

The relocation gives the animals access to environments that allow them to roam, explore, and rest in conditions that more closely resemble their natural habitats. The mission represents a significant milestone for wildlife rescue efforts in Honduras and continues DHL’s broader involvement in conservation logistics initiatives that help rescued animals transition to safer and more suitable homes.

Media contacts:

DHL Group
Media Relations
Constanza Gantes
Tel.: +49 228 182-9944
E-Mail: pressestelle@dhl.com

SOURCE: Deutsche Post AG