{{In a unique conservation initiative in partnership with The Aspinall Foundation, DHL a logistics company, has delivered a family of nine silverback gorillas from Port Lympne Wild Animal Park in Kent to the Bat\u00e9k\u00e9 Plateau National Park, Gabon.}}<\/p>\n
The gorillas were transported 9,000 km, departing from the UK to Brussels, and flown in a specially equipped Boeing 767 to Lagos, Nigeria, and then onto Franceville, Gabon. <\/p>\n
For the final leg of the journey they were flown in a helicopter to the national park in collaboration with the Gabonese authorities.<\/p>\n
In addition to the animals, which have a combined weight of 620kg, no less than 1,200 kg of food and vets\u2019 equipment accompanied them on their journey home to the wild.<\/p>\n
To accommodate the gorillas\u2019 transport schedule, DHL took two different aircraft out of commission and temporarily reconfigured its global network to ensure they could be delivered in as tight a timeframe as possible.<\/p>\n
Western lowland gorillas are classed as a critically endangered species, and this is the first attempt ever at returning an entire family to its natural habitat. <\/p>\n
The Aspinall Foundation\u2019s \u201cBack to the Wild\u201d initiative is part of its ongoing commitment to restock the wild with endangered and critically endangered species, following its uniquely successful programmes of captive breeding at its Kent wildlife parks.<\/p>\n
Phil Couchman, CEO of DHL Express UK & Ireland commented: \u201cIt\u2019s no mean feat moving a family of nine gorillas across the world. <\/p>\n
This is an extremely important cause and a great logistical undertaking for DHL \u2013 our priority throughout the operation has been the safety and well being of the animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn working closely with The Aspinall Foundation, a world-leading conservation charity, to prepare for the move, we ensured the smoothest possible journey for the gorillas.<\/p>\n
Charles Brewer, Managing Director for DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said, \u201cOur dedicated \u201cspecial delivery\u201d team, which includes staff from across DHL\u2019s operation, from aircraft engineers to cargo handlers, security teams, pilots and drivers, have done an excellent job of ensuring the success of this project. <\/p>\n
We\u2019re delighted to have been of assistance to the gorilla family and we hope they enjoy their new home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Damian Aspinall, pioneering conservationist and Chairman of The Aspinall Foundation, said: \u201cThe Aspinall Foundation\u2019s Back To The Wild initiative is unique and comprises easily the most ambitious reintroduction of the critically endangered species into the wild ever undertaken anywhere in the world. <\/p>\n
We are delighted that DHL have so generously come on board as our partners in this important and exciting repatriation project.\u201d<\/p>\n
{African Press Organization} <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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