Air Charter Service has flown 39 white rhinoceroses from Windhoek, Namibia to Dallas in the largest ever relocation conservation project for the species, as well as the most rhinos ever to have flown on one aircraft.
The project aims to conserve the endangered population and preserve their unique genetics against poaching. The translocation required many months of careful planning, working in close collaboration with the conservation and relocation company and the airline.
The broker drew up an intricate load plan to fit all the oversize containers on board the Boeing B747. Once aboard, the team of veterinarians were able to personally look after the creatures for the duration of the flight. A fuel stop in Sal, Cape Verde, was necessary due to the rhinos combined weight of 80 tons, before landing at Dallas Fort Worth Airport.