The safe transport of two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, from Chengdu, China, to Ocean Park in Hong Kong demonstrates Cathay Cargo’s meticulous approach to handling delicate and high-stakes operations. The mission required months of meticulous planning, close collaboration with conservation organizations, and adherence to international animal welfare standards. Here’s an overview of how this extraordinary journey unfolded:
Pre-flight Preparations
Comprehensive Planning:Cathay Cargo’s team coordinated with the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda and Ocean Park Hong Kong to design custom habitats. These habitats met IATA CEIV Live Animal standards, featuring proper ventilation and structural integrity.
Documentation: The process involved securing all necessary health certificates, export/import permits, and licenses in advance to prevent any delays.
Preferred Flight Scheduling: A carefully selected time slot ensured optimal conditions for the pandas’ comfort.
Onboard Care and Safety
Aircraft Configuration: The pandas were strategically placed near the cargo door for expedited loading and unloading, minimizing stress.
Temperature Control: The cabin temperature was maintained between +20°C and +25°C, with real-time monitoring by the pilots.
Expert Team: A specialized team, including veterinarians, grooms, and two experienced flight crew members, ensured the pandas’ well-being throughout the journey. Bamboo and water were provided to keep the animals nourished and calm.
Gentle Landing Procedures: Pilots were instructed to apply brakes gently during landing to avoid sudden jolts, maintaining the pandas’ comfort.
Collaboration and Commitment to Conservation
Cathay Cargo partnered closely with experts from both Ocean Park Hong Kong and the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda to address every detail of the pandas’ needs. Their adherence to IATA CEIV Live Animals standards and signing of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration reflects their commitment to protecting vulnerable species.
A Showcase of Excellence
The successful delivery of An An and Ke Ke underscores Cathay Cargo’s dedication to precision, care, and ethical practices in live animal transport. Tom Owen, Director of Cargo, highlighted that this operation exemplifies their commitment to animal welfare and expertise in managing sensitive cargo.
By ensuring the pandas’ journey was seamless and safe, Cathay Cargo showcased the power of collaboration and the importance of adhering to stringent animal care protocols in transporting endangered species.