When pigs (and horses) fly: Demand rises for live animal transport

We moved a zoo

The live animal market is constantly evolving in terms of geographical demand, said Chapman Freeborn’s Frost. A good deal of the charter work, she said, are the zoo animals and other exotics these days. “We regularly fly everything from tigers to giraffes as part of conservation programs,” she said.

In May, Intradco completed the transportation of 19 black rhinos from Johannesburg to the Rwandan capital, Kigali, where they were transferred to the Akagera National Park to reintroduce the majestic beasts back to the park, where they were last sighted back in 2007. “We’re getting more and more of these kinds of conservation project requests,” she added.

Intradco is expanding its range of stalls and penning equipment, as well. “We’re always looking to add to the safety and comfort features. We also lease our equipment out to third parties. Many of the world’s leading airlines now come to us to rent stalls and penning equipment.”

While some carriers boast of high-tech track-and-trace technology to keep a 24/7 watch on their high-value cargo, animal handlers go one step further. “When required, all of the flights will have grooms and veterinary teams on board to ensure the well-being of the animals,” she said. “The human element is essential for in flight monitoring – it’s not left to software.”

Pity that poor Simon did not get such customized care.

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