Preparation Ensures Project Air Freight Shipment of Precious Rhinoceroses Goes Well

ISRAEL – RUSSIA – Volga-Dnepr Airlines latest project air freight shipment saw the Russian cargo airline ensure the well-being and safe delivery of two Southern White Rhinos from Tel Aviv, Israel, to their new home in Russia, where they will now reside in one of the largest zoos in the country, at Rostov-on-Don in the far north west near the Ukrainian border. The zoo actively participates in international programmes for the preservation of rare and endangered animals.

The Volga-Dnepr Group has, for many years, undertaken important missions to support wildlife preservation projects. Following previous deliveries of rare and endangered Przhevalsky horses by its sister carrier Atran Airlines, Volga-Dnepr Airlines transported the two male rhinos from the Zoological Centre Ramat Gan in Israel, at the request of Charter Green Light Moscow LLC, a logistics partner of Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

Using the airline’s modernised IL-76TD-90VD freighter ensured the correct temperature and pressure were maintained during transportation which helped to guarantee the rhinos arrived safely at their destination. The aircraft’s low-noise engines also contributed to the comfort of the rhinos during their journey, during which they were closely monitored by Israeli veterinary experts who travelled on board the freighter as cargo attendants. Commenting on the transportation, Dr. Gillad Goldstein, curator of the Israeli zoo, said the transit went quite smoothly and thanked the experienced and efficient aircraft team.

White rhinos are the second largest land mammals after elephants. Being naturally the inhabitants of Africa, Southern White Rhinos are now subject to protection and population management following the almost complete extinction of their close relatives, the Northern White Rhino. Alexander Zhadobin, Director of the Zoo of Rostov-on-Don, added:

“In February 2017 we started negotiations on transferring the rhinoceroses, which included following the recommendations of our Israeli colleagues and redesigning the rhinos’ enclosure. Since arriving in Russia, they have relocated well under quarantine as they adapt to their new conditions. We would like to express our gratitude to Volga-Dnepr Airlines for their safe transportation.”