DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) partnered with Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection (LCRP) to safely transport four vulnerable chimpanzees from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia.
With many years of DHL’s expertise in transporting wildlife, all four rescued chimpanzees were re-located to their new home last weekend, on Saturday, July 9, just in time to celebrate World Chimpanzee Day on July 14th.
The was aimed at raising awareness about the welfare, protection, and conservation of the global chimpanzee population, which is critically endangered.
“DHL’s experience in the transportation of wildlife is world-class, and we could not envision partnering with another logistics organization to ensure the safe passage of these vulnerable chimps. This initiative would not be possible if governments from Guinea-Bissau (Directorate General for Forests and Fauna), and Liberia (Forestry Development Authority), the Jane Goodall Institute, Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), and the Born Free Foundation did not commit to working tirelessly together to ensure its success. Chimpanzees, a critically endangered species, are protected in both countries, and it is illegal to harm or keep them as pets”, said Jenny Desmond, Founder of Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue and Protection.
The chimpanzees, 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 this freighter meant there was minimal impact on the on and offloading of the animals throughout the transportation journey. The aircraft was also modified to ensure first-class treatment throughout the 2hrs 20minutes flight 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 – range in age from just over two to 12 years old – from Guinea-Bissau to Liberia was based on Guinea-Bissau’s Directorate-General for Forests and Fauna’s commitment to combating the international wildlife trade.
DHL Express SSA vice president of 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 to guarantee that the animals arrive safe and in good health at their intended destinations.”
Western chimpanzees are now extinct in three, soon five of eleven native countries.
