Children enjoy the Gentoo penguin exhibit at the Calgary Zoo.
For most people, zoos are fun places to visit and learn about animals from all over the world. But behind the scenes, zoos are also playing an increasingly important role in protecting various animal species facing extinction.
Take the Calgary Zoo, for example. Describing itself as a "conservation organization that happens to have a zoo," it not only cares for its resident animals but also works to expand the populations of endangered species – such as the Vancouver Island marmot and the whooping crane – and helps them thrive in the wild once again. The zoo also supports breeding programs by sharing specific animals with other zoos.
"Without zoos participating in conservation programs, a lot of these animals could be extinct," says Deanna Snell, who, as Calgary Zoo's registrar, coordinates many of the zoo's animal shipments, which average 30 a year. "Zoos have changed so much from [being just a place where] people look at the animals. Our goal [now] is to save spaces and species."
Transporting live animals from zoo to zoo, however, requires more effort than most people realize. The quickest, safest and most reliable way for zoos and conservation organizations to transport live animals is by air, but upfront planning and extensive preparation are crucial.
For starters, countries – and even some U.S. states – vary in their regulations for transporting live animals, which means shipment requirements differ from animal to animal. For example, there are different rules involving, say, the total number of animals that can be shipped in each cage, specific health-certification requirements and age restrictions on the animals.
Weather during the flight can also pose a problem, as it's unsafe for many species to be exposed to extreme heat or cold. The type of aircraft is important too because not all planes have temperature-controlled cargo holds. As for the crates or containers, there are requirements for their interiors to ensure that the animals are kept safe and comfortable, as well as for their dimensions, so they can go through the aircraft's cargo door.
"I often tell people that I'm a travel agent for animals, just with a lot more paperwork," says Snell. "I always want to make [their flight] as smooth as possible."
She recounts how five Gentoo penguins were transported to an aquarium in the United Kingdom in March 2016. Classified as "near threatened" by the Gland, Switzerland–based International Union for Conservation of Nature, the penguins were leaving to be part of a new exhibit and to help boost their population overseas.
First, a 250-pound crate was custom-built, replete with an ice-covered bottom to keep the special travellers cool. Throughout the flight, the crate's interior temperature was kept steady, between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. And then, in accordance to U.K. quarantine requirements, the penguins flew in the belly of the plane, solo, without any other animal species as travel mates.
For the transport of the birds to their new home, the Calgary Zoo turned to Air Canada Cargo.
"It's all hands on deck when an animal shipment comes through our premises," notes Matthew White, the airline's manager of cargo procedures. "There are checks and balances at every step, and timing is critical."
Air Canada Cargo adheres to strict handling procedures and provides the necessary environment and support to ensure the safety and comfort of live animals all through the multiple steps involved in air transport. And like all carriers, it follows the Live Animal Regulations of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which sets the global standard for transporting animals by air.
"In addition to complying with the IATA's regulations, we have to follow every rule of every country [and jurisdiction.]," says White. "It's constantly evolving, what we do on a daily basis for live animals."
In its supporting role for the conservation efforts of zoos and various organizations, Air Canada's freight division regularly ships animals. It recently transported a flock of 60 Jacob sheep from B.C. to Tel Aviv on multiple flights, as well as 18 orphaned crocodiles that travelled from an animal refuge near Toronto to L.A. and then were distributed to sanctuaries in the U.S.
Typically, animals arrive at an Air Canada Cargo warehouse by truck, accompanied by handlers. Upon arrival at the warehouse, zoo animals usually remain in their travel containers, which are then moved carefully to the aircraft ramp and constantly monitored. Some animals, like livestock, are transferred from their trucks to large hay-filled pens in a warehouse.
Air Canada Cargo employees receive extensive and ongoing training to remain on top of ever-changing requirements and to ensure that animals receive the best care possible, White explains.
"It's a wonderful thing to see in action," he says. "A lot of trust is placed in Air Canada to be able to handle the animals safely. We take that responsibility very seriously."
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's Globe Edge Content Studio. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.