IAG Cargo transported four white rhinos from Johannesburg to Miami as part of a conservation project designed to support the species’ survival. The rhinos were transported from O. R. Tambo International Airport to Miami International Airport via London Heathrow. They were moved from Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park, and will settle into their new home at the American Centre for Conservation Species’ Survival Program.
To make the journey, IAG employed an A380 aircraft, which has hold-temperature management systems that allow for temperatures to be closely monitored for the rhinos’ comfort throughout the flight.
The rhinos were transported via IAG Cargo’s Live Animals service, which is fully compliant with both IATA’s Live Animal Regulations and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. During the London Heathrow stop, expert support was received from the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre.
“The white rhino is under significant threat from poaching and, as a result, these rhinos have been transported to the Centre for Conservation of Tropical Ungulates as part of a specialist breeding program,” said Mike Bester, founder of Bester Birds and Animals Zoo Park.
Rhinos in the wild are in serious threat of extinction due to the cruel practice of poaching them for their horns, mistakenly believed to be of medicinal value. There are five species of rhino, worldwide, and all are in danger of extinction.
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