DHL’s most extraordinary deliveries of 2025: from endangered antelopes to legendary helmets

Dhaka: Global logistics leader DHL Group unveiled its annual roundup of the most unusual and memorable deliveries handled in 2025 — a year that saw the company move everything from endangered wildlife and life-size artworks to historic sports memorabilia across continents with precision, care, and purpose.

Wildlife homecoming: 17 mountain bongo antelopes to Kenya

In February, DHL executed a remarkable 13,000-kilometer conservation flight, transporting 17 critically endangered mountain bongo antelopes from a Florida wildlife facility to a sanctuary on Mount Kenya’s slopes. The dedicated airlift included bespoke crates and expert veterinary care, giving the animals a second chance in their ancestral habitat.

Helmet signed by legends

March saw a unique motorsport artifact embark on a globe-spanning journey. A Formula 1 helmet traveled from Switzerland to Brazil, stopping in stops including Ibiza, London, and Brasília, so that all 20 living F1 world champions could autograph it.

Helmet signed by 20 F1 champions

A particularly poignant moment came when Michael Schumacher’s initials were added with help from his wife Corinna. The signed helmet then inspired a replica used to raise funds for the Race Against Dementia charity.

Art on the move: United Buddy Bears to Singapore

In June, DHL shipped 151 life-size “United Buddy Bears” sculptures — a 37-ton collection celebrating peace, tolerance, and global culture — from near Berlin to Singapore.

Buddy bears in Singapore

Packed into eight sea containers, the colorful fiberglass figures traveled roughly 10,000 km before being exhibited in the city’s Gardens by the Bay for two months.

Saadoon the baboon finds new home

Another November highlight was the relocation of Saadoon, a young male baboon rescued from the illegal wildlife trade in Bahrain.

Bringing Saadoon home

The flight from Muharraq to Djibouti was carefully planned with custom transport boxes and ongoing welfare monitoring, giving Saadoon a chance to thrive in a sanctuary suited to his species.

Delivering South America’s premier football trophy

As part of its role as the official logistics partner of CONMEBOL, DHL transported the Libertadores Cup from Luque, Paraguay to Lima, Peru ahead of the championship final in November.

Trophy at CONMEBOL Libertadores Final 2025

The iconic trophy, handled in a specially secured case, arrived safely for one of South America’s biggest sporting events.

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