DHL has successfully transported a black rhino from its birthplace in the Czech Republic to its natural homeland in Tanzania.
Three-year-old female Eliska was moved to a natural park in Tanzania as part of an ongoing conservation project run by the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust, aimed at helping endangered animal populations to grow and prosper in their natural habitat.
The move reportedly required an international DHL team, comprising around 40 specialists in areas ranging from ground transportation and aviation to customs clearance and certification across at least five countries.
“The delivery of Eliska to Tanzania continues a proud tradition at DHL Express of supporting international animal conservation efforts,” said Ken Allen, CEO, DHL Express.
“We were very excited to have the opportunity to transport this beautiful animal home to Africa and to play our part in these critical efforts to help revive endangered Eastern black rhino populations.
“Complex projects like this, where failure is simply not an option, also allow us to showcase the power of the DHL global network and the expertise of our certified international specialists.”
The 900kg rhino was transferred from ZOO Dvur Kralove in the Czech Republic, to the DHL European Hub in Leipzig, Germany. She was then loaded on to a dedicated Boeing 757-200 freighter, specially modified for animal transport, and flown more than 6,500 kilometres directly to Tanzania, then transferred by truck to her new home.
“We were delighted that DHL was able to support us with this project, as we were only prepared to entrust Eliska to partners who could absolutely guarantee a safe and seamless move,” said Tony Fitzjohn OBE, Field Director, The George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust.
“Having the support of an experienced team of international transport specialists allowed us to focus without any distraction on the comfort and well-being of Eliska and to ensure that she had the best possible introduction to her new life in Africa.”
How to move a rhino from Europe to Africa
