The winter chaos that reigned at Liege Airport over the weekend of January 21-22, 2023 had fatal consequences for three sloth bears that were carried aboard a cargo flight. The animals died due to the 24-hour lockdown and presumed inadequate care.

On January 21, 2023, a cargo flight from an airline based in Qatar landed at Liège Airport. There were also nine sloth bears in the cargo hold. Due to the fact that the runway could not be used for about 24 hours due to the heavy snowfall, the animals had to stay in the hold. Three sloth bears were doomed by the low temperatures, because they died.

First, the newspaper "Sudinfo" reported on the tragic event, which also raises numerous questions. Those responsible must have known that the animals have temperatures between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius in their natural habitat and are very sensitive to frost and cold. Why the animals were left in the transport container for more than 24 hours and not taken to a heated area of ​​the airport is completely open. However, nobody wants to take responsibility afterwards, because the airline, the airport and the ground handling company blame each other in statements.

The fact that the incident happened in Liège of all places is unusual. This airport also specializes in live animals, as horses are transported particularly frequently via Liege Airport. However, the fact that no one checked on the sloth bears for more than 24 hours now has legal repercussions. The competent veterinary office has initiated official investigations, which could result in a fine.

According to official information, the nine animals, three of which died, were flown from Peru to Liège. Then it should go via Doha to Indonesia. The fact that the aircraft was stuck in Liege for around 24 hours was not foreseeable, but the air carrier or the subcontractors commissioned by it must do everything possible in such cases to be able to ensure that the "living cargo" is supplied in a manner appropriate to the species. The official investigation will probably have to clarify why no one felt responsible.

The sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) is a myrmecophagous bear species native to the Indian subcontinent. It feeds on fruits, ants and termites. It is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, primarily due to habitat loss and destruction. It is the only species of the genus Melursus.