On Sunday, February 23, a remarkable event unfolded at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya.
Seventeen critically endangered mountain bongos, a species of antelope native to Kenya’s montane forests, touched down after a long journey from Florida, USA.
This repatriation effort, led by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, marks a significant step in conserving a species with fewer than 100 individuals left in the wild.
But how exactly do animals like these mountain bongos travel thousands of miles across continents by plane?
Preparing animals for air travel
Transporting live animals internationally by plane is no simple feat – it requires meticulous planning to ensure their safety, comfort, and compliance with global regulations.
The process starts with health assessments where veterinarians examine each animal to confirm they are fit for travel, checking for signs of stress, illness or injury.
In the case of endangered species like the mountain bongos, this step is critical to avoid jeopardizing their already fragile population.
Once cleared, the animals are acclimated to their travel crates.
These custom-built containers are designed to meet the standards of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which sets guidelines for live animal transport.
Food and water are provided in secure containers to sustain them during the flight, though for long journeys, sedation might be used sparingly under veterinary supervision to reduce stress.
Legal and regulatory framework
Moving animals across international borders involves navigating a web of regulations.
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) governs the transport of endangered species, requiring export and import permits from both the sending country and the receiving country.
These permits ensure the transfer is for conservation purposes and not commercial exploitation – a key concern given the bongos’ critically endangered status.
Additionally, both countries’ customs and agricultural authorities play a role.
Health certificates, issued after veterinary checks, are also mandatory to prevent the spread of diseases like rinderpest.
The flight itself
In this case, for the mountain bongos, a DHL cargo plane was chosen for the transatlantic journey.
Cargo aircraft are preferred for animal transport because they offer more space and flexibility than passenger planes.
Unlike pets traveling in a plane’s cargo hold, large or endangered animals are typically flown on dedicated freighters, where the cabin can be climate-controlled to mimic their natural environment.
Additionally, temperature, humidity and noise levels are carefully monitored.
While en route, the animals are accompanied by handlers or veterinarians trained to respond to emergencies, such as a sudden health decline or crate malfunction.
Post-arrival procedures
Upon arrival at the receiving country, the animals are immediately moved to a quarantine facility.
Quarantine is a standard procedure for internationally transported animals, ensuring they don’t introduce foreign pathogens to local ecosystems.
During this period—often lasting weeks—veterinarians monitor their health and behavior, allowing them to adjust to Kenya’s climate and altitude, a stark contrast to Florida’s lowland conditions.
Once quarantine is complete, the animals begin a gradual reintroduction process.
