DHL Transports Black Rhinos to Tanzanian Sanctuary
DHL has an established reputation built on speedy delivery and impeccable service. Now the global logistics company can add an additional point backing their ability to handle every delivery request, no matter how big or small, that comes their way. Three black rhinoceroses – male Monduli and females Grumeti and Zawadi – were successfully delivered by DHL June 20 after a daunting overseas journey.
With numbers dwindling as a result of large-scale poaching, the members of the critically endangered species were transported from the Manston Airport in the UK to the Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzaniaas part of a conservation initiative launched by the Aspinall Foundation. The rhinos were born in captivity at the foundation’s Port Lympne Wild Animal Park and will make their new home in the Mkomazi Rhino Sanctuary in Tanzania.
DHL Transports Endangered Black Rhinos Back to Wild
Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK & Ireland said, "It was a very exciting moment for DHL to be able to serve as the international carrier of these animals, and we are proud to support this very worthwhile conservation program.”
The 10-hour journey – including a refueling stop in Bergamo, Italy – took place aboard a specially outfitted Boeing 757. First class treatment included rhino-sized life-saving devices and unique temperature controlled conditions in the cabin, while the special passengers were accompanied by two rhino keepers, two aircraft engineers and a specialist veterinarian.
SEE RELATED STORIES FROM THE WDM CONTENT NETWORK:
Click here to read the latest edition of Supply Chain Digital
Everyday passengers may no longer enjoy the benefit of in-flight meals but the rhinos were supplied with a varied menu consisting of four bales of hay, half a bucket of carrots, half a bucket of apples and a box each of bananas, celery and spinach.
"Our greatest priority was the safety and well being of the rhinos. Our dedicated logistics experts and engineers in both the UK and South Africa worked closely with The Aspinall Foundation and Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in order to ensure they had a safe and comfortable journey,” said Couchman. “It has been an enormously complex but extremely worthwhile logistics effort."
