Eastern black rhino transferred from Czech to Tanzanian sanctuary

A three year-old Eastern black rhino, Eliska, has successfully been transported from its birthplace in the Czech Republic to a natural habitat in a Tanzanian sanctuary as part of conservation project by the George Adamson Wildlife Preservation Trust.

The Trust, committed to helping endangered animal populations grow in their natural habitats teamed up with global transport experts, DHL, to achieve the successful transfer of the 900kg mammal.

According to Tony Fitzjohn OBE, Field Director, of 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.”

“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,” he added.

The journey of Eliska to Africa started from her birthplace in the Czech ZOO Dvur Kralove, she was sent to DHL’s main European Hub in Germany, before she was loaded on to a dedicated 28-ton Boeing 757-200 freighter, specially modified for animal transport.

She was subsequently flown over 6,500 kilometers directly to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania, from where she was transferred by truck to her new home.

Our next passenger weighs 900kg & is flying from #CZ to #Tanzania with DHL. Follow Eliska´s story #DHLRhino pic.twitter.com/E3Ktj5yKB8

— DPDHL News (@DeutschePostDHL) June 22, 2016

Facts about Eastern black Rhinos

• Eastern black rhinos are one of the most endangered mammal groups
• Their population drastically declined with large-scale poaching in the late 20th century
• The poaching led to a significant decline in black rhino populations in Africa.
• Globally, there are estimated to be about 800 today.
• ZOO Dvur Kralove, where Eliska was born, has a strong record of breeding Eastern black rhinos, with 43 calves of the species born to date.

Přemysl Rabas, Statutory Director of ZOO Dvur Kralove (Eliska’s former home) said they were going to miss her sourly but they also took consolation in the fact that she gets to grow in an ambience that is better for her development.

“Eliska’s departure is a bitter-sweet moment for ZOO Dvur Kralove. We are sorry to say goodbye to one of our much-loved animals, but at the same time, we are extremely gratified to have played a part in this important conservation project and excited to see how she adapts to her natural habitat,” he said

DHL and transportation of wildlife species across the world

DHL, global giants in freights and commercial transport have in the recent past upped their efforts in the area of transporting, with safety and security, endangered species across the world.

The company has supported a number of major conservation projects in recent years, among others:

• 2012: The delivery of three black rhinos from the U.K. to Tanzania
• 2012: The delivery of two rare Sumatran tigers from Australia and the U.S. to London Zoo, as part of a breeding program.
• 2013: A successful transfer of two giant pandas from China to a Belgian sanctuary
  In June 2016, the female gave birth to a panda cub.
• 2016: Successful transfer of Eastern black rhino Eliska from Czech Republic to Tanzania

“As facilitators of global trade, it’s fantastic that we can use our logistics expertise for such an important conservation project, and we trust that Eliska will flourish in her new home in Africa,” the words of Hennie Heymans, CEO, DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa.