DHL Express flies chimps to their new home

DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) has flown four rescued chimpanzees from Guinea-Bissau to their new home in Liberia.

The chimpanzees, which were transported on behalf of Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection (LCRP), were flown in an ATR72 LCD (Large Cargo Door) aircraft designed for large cargo shipments.

Utilising a freighter meant there was minimal impact for the on and off loading of the animals throughout the transportation journey.

The aircraft flight lasted two hours and 20 minutes from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Guinea-Bissau to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia.

To further secure their safety, the chimpanzees were accompanied by veterinarian Jim Desmond, co-founder of Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection.

The LCRP was founded in 2016 to rescue chimpanzees who are victims of illegal bush meat and pet trades.

The decision to relocate the four chimpanzees named Fifi, Tze, Simao, and Tita from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia was based on Guinea-Bissau’s Directorate-General for Forests and Fauna’s commitment to combating international wildlife trade.

DHL Express SSA vice president operations Anthony Beckley said: “With many years of experience in transporting wildlife, we have gained valuable knowledge in ensuring the specific needs of the ‘special cargo’.

“Each wildlife mission we undertake has its unique requirements. That is why we always connect with our experts and specialists in order to guarantee that the animals arrive safe and in good health at their intended destinations.”

Damian Brett www.aircargonews.net