Lufthansa Cargo Facilitates New Beginnings for Abandoned Bear

Meet Trishka, a 22-year-old brown bear who recently made her way to Belgium after an incredible journey from Kazakhstan. This move was made possible through the collaborative efforts of Lufthansa Cargo, the NGO Bears in Mind, and a passionate group of animal welfare supporters.

Trishka’s adventure began back in 2002 when she was discovered as an orphaned cub after hunters took her mother’s life. Alone and scared, she wandered onto a roadside where a gamekeeper found her. Sadly, local zoos were struggling financially at that time and couldn’t take her in. That’s when Yelena, a compassionate local woman known for rescuing animals, stepped up to help.She named the little cub Trishka and welcomed her into her home.

The bond between Yelena and Trishka blossomed over two decades. “At first, Trishka was quite timid,” Yelena recalled. “But wiht patience and support from our Central Asian Shepherd dogs, she grew strong and formed deep connections with us.” For 22 years, they lived together as family until health issues forced Yelena to move to Spain—taking Trishka along wasn’t feasible.

This is where Bears in Mind came into play! Based in the Netherlands, this institution focuses on bear welfare and conservation efforts; they arranged for Trishka to find refuge at a specialized sanctuary in Belgium. Though, getting her there safely involved intricate logistics across international borders along with veterinary coordination—and crucially—a reliable air freight partner.

Lufthansa Cargo took charge of transporting Trishka across countries with their extensive experience handling live animals while prioritizing their well-being throughout the process.

in early May this year, Trishka boarded her first-ever international flight from kazakhstan to Europe! She arrived safely in Belgium where she’s now adjusting to life at the sanctuary that offers open spaces for exploration alongside other bears—an surroundings designed specifically for their comfort and happiness.

“After all these years apart from others of her kind,” saeid a representative from Bears in Mind,”Trishka is finally enjoying companionship among fellow bears—in surroundings tailored for optimal well-being.” They added that she’s still vibrant—healthy—and full of curiosity about this new chapter ahead!