The Ins and Outs
of Animal Transport - John Davis, Director of Animal Care and Welfare
The animal managers at Riverbanks provide a high standard of care and welfare to the animals during all hours of the day and in all weather conditions. They provide the same level of care to the animals onsite as they do for those being transported between zoos. Ensuring the safe transport of animals is paramount and supported by a well-developed and thorough plan. Animal Transport Plans are developed by both the sending and receiving zoos to determine the best method of transportation (planes, no trains or automobiles), what items must accompany which animals while on the road, and if staff members should accompany the animals to ensure their safety. Size of the animal, distance of travel and time of year are all factors that are considered prior to selecting the best form of transportation. There are a few airlines willing to accept small mammals, birds and reptiles that can be flown to their destination in climate-controlled areas. Flight arrangements are carefully made to minimize travel time for the animals when long distances are a factor. Sending animals by plane requires direct flights, free of delays, which can often be challenging. Weather conditions are the most important criteria for airline transport as animals can only board airlines in temperatures between 45 and 85 degrees, greatly limiting the times of year when transfers can be scheduled. If temperatures are not suitable for flight or if animals are too big to fly on a plane, zookeepers hop into a van and head out on the highways, as they did recently, to
pick up a female siamang and sloth. These adventures are opportunities for zookeepers to provide their normal animal care duties while on the road. Two keepers, one driver and one animal attendant/trip navigator, work together ensuring safe travels for everyone. Animal transport is a regular occurrence at Riverbanks. It seems like only a few months ago that Amelia the giraffe was born at Riverbanks, but she will soon turn two years old. While she will not be fully grown for a couple more years, it is time for her to join a breeding herd of giraffes at another zoo. Before she moves on for her new adventure, zookeepers will stock Amelia’s trailer with hay, browse, water and her favorite treats to ensure she has all she needs during her ride. Ironically, guests frequently ask, “how do you move a giraffe?” Ground transport for giraffes is the preferred and probably best option. Since giraffes normally reach heights of 14 feet, sometimes taller, they are not candidates for frequent flyer miles. Instead, they move between zoos in special, custom-built trailers like those made for horses but much taller. The trailers can be adjusted up to 15 feet to comfortably house giraffes during their journey.
As some animals leave, others will arrive. With only a few more months to go before the new rhino habitat opens, three Southern white rhinos will soon call Riverbanks home. Just as it takes time and effort to create their new exhibit, it takes time and effort to plan every detail of their travels to ensure a safe arrival. Stay tuned to a future “In the Know” column where I’ll share insight into rhino transport!
CREATING CONNECTIONS.
INSPIRING ACTION.
IMPACTING CONSERVATION.
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