HUMBOLT PENGUINS SUCCESSFYLLY HANDLED AT MOSCOW CARGO AIRFREIGHT TERMINAL

10/06/2026

Last week, two Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) — a pair named Neom and Belka — made a journey through the Moscow Cargo airfreight terminal as transit "passengers." The birds were relocating from their long-term home on Russky Island in the Russian Far East to their new residence in Volgograd, located in the southern part of the country.

The penguins arrived at the Moscow Cargo terminal in specialized climate-controlled containers, ensuring optimal temperature and humidity conditions throughout the transport process. Given the species' sensitivity to environmental changes and the high standards of animal welfare required for such shipments, the operation demanded the utmost care, precision, and adherence to strict veterinary and logistical protocols.

Neom and Belka were born two years ago at the Primorsky Oceanarium, which places great emphasis on forming new pairs capable of producing healthy offspring. Between 2017 and 2018, the oceanarium received 14 Humboldt penguins. Through proper care and the creation of conditions closely resembling their natural habitat, the institution successfully increased the colony's population to 60 individuals over the course of several years. The oceanarium is now delighted to share its feathered success with other oceanariums and zoological parks across Russia.

The Volgograd Oceanarium prepared thoroughly for Neom and Belka's arrival, recreating familiar elements from their Vladivostok home to help them settle in quickly. The penguins traveled well and are already exploring their new pool with curiosity, much to the delight of staff and visitors alike.