Two wildcats escaped war with a little help from DHL

Two rescued wildcats from Ukraine – a white tiger and a lynx abandoned amid the chaos of war – have begun a new life in safety at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in the United Kingdom, thanks to a complex international effort supported by DHL.

Aleks, a white tiger, and Lothar, a lynx, were found in Ukraine last year after being released or abandoned from illegal private ownership. Sadly, their experience is not unusual. Wildcats kept as pets or in other inappropriate settings often face severe neglect, and war has only intensified this hidden crisis.

Working with the NGOs Nadiya and Wild Animals Rescue Center, veterinarians, customs authorities, and Lincolnshire Wildlife Park, DHL helped coordinate and support the animals’ journey to their new sanctuary. Both animals are now beginning their next chapter in a safe, species‑appropriate environment.

“For us, every shipment entrusted to us is something special, and we always look for the best solution. But transporting animals is particularly complex. It requires an extra level of care – after all, they are living beings and they need our special attention. Together with all our partners and our combined logistics expertise, we were able to bring Aleks and Lothar to a place where they will finally receive the care they deserve and can begin their long path to recovery,” Nicola Leske, Head of Communications & Sustainability, DHL Group.

A story of neglect – and survival

Aleks was discovered by Ukrainian soldiers near Kharkiv during the war. He was in extremely poor condition: suffering from parasites, skin infections, malnutrition, dehydration, and impaired liver and kidney function. He was so weak that he could no longer stand. His previous owner had abandoned him as the war intensified.

Lothar, the lynx, appears to have gone through a similar ordeal. While no official count exists, NGOs report a steady stream of wildcats kept illegally as pets in private homes. Many are purchased as cubs and later discarded when they become too dangerous, too expensive, or simply no longer wanted.

Both Aleks and Lothar were initially brought to the Wild Animals Rescue Center in Ukraine. From Ukraine, the animals began a roughly 2,600 kilometer journey in a specialized, temperature controlled transport to their new home at Lincolnshire Wildlife Park in Boston, UK.

A carefully planned journey

On February 25, under the supervision of a veterinarian, both animals began their trip in specially designed transport crates aboard a large transport van. They traveled from Ukraine to Calais (France), through the Eurotunnel to the UK, and continued by road to Lincolnshire Wildlife Park. Upon arrival on February 27, they were examined by a veterinarian and then released into a specially built enclosure.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Park is one of the UK’s largest facilities dedicated to rescuing animals and providing them with lifelong sanctuary.

“Aleks and Lothar were born in captivity and would not survive in the wild. They lack the instincts typical of wild animals, such as hunting. Facilities like ours are the only way animals like them can live a safe and fulfilling life,” explained Steve Nichols, Chief Executive Officer, Lincolnshire Wildlife Park.

DHL has a track record of wildlife support and rescue logistics. In 2024, for example, the company transported the chimpanzee Chocolat from Kenya to the UK. That same year, DHL moved 25 rare bongo antelopes from the United States to Kenya. Even heavyweights – like manatees and hippos – have traveled with DHL.