Both animals had previously lived in severely inadequate conditions at the former Zoo Luján near Buenos Aires. As the site undergoes restructuring, several animals require urgent relocation to ensure their long-term welfare and rehabilitation.
Once ready for transport, the bears were loaded onto a Lufthansa Cargo Boeing 777 freighter for the transatlantic flight from Argentina to Frankfurt. Careful planning ensured the animals could travel calmly, with veterinary oversight from FOUR PAWS throughout the journey.
After arriving in Germany, the bears were handled through Lufthansa Cargo’s specialised Animal Lounge in Frankfurt, a facility designed for the safe transit of live animals. The centre provides climate-controlled environments and professional care to ensure animal welfare during layovers.
From Frankfurt, the journey continued on board a Lufthansa Cargo Airbus A321 freighter, which operated a flight to Sofia. The aircraft made an additional stop before landing in the Bulgarian capital, marking the first time bears have been flown from South America directly to Sofia Airport.
Upon arrival, veterinary specialists confirmed the animals were healthy before they were transferred by road to the Belitsa sanctuary.
Operated by FOUR PAWS together with Fondation Brigitte Bardot, the sanctuary offers large forest enclosures, pools and dens designed to replicate natural habitats, providing rescued bears with lifelong care.
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Author: Anastasiya Simsek
