Volga-Dnepr carries two Southern White Rhinos from Tel Aviv to Russia

February 1, 2018: Air Charter service provider, Volga-Dnepr Airlines has transported two Southern White Rhinos from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Russia. The company used all its expertise in delivering the live animals ensuring the well-being and safe delivery to Russia, where they will now reside in one of the largest zoos in Rostov-on-Don, which participates in international programmes for the preservation of rare and endangered animals. 

The airline used the modernised IL-76TD-90VD freighter to ensure the correct temperature and pressure environments were maintained during the transportation helped to guarantee the rhinos arrived safely at their destination. The aircraft’s low-noise engines also contributed to the comfort of the rhinos during their journey, during which they were closely monitored by Israeli veterinary experts who travelled onboard the freighter as cargo attendants. 

Commenting on the transportation, Dr Gillad Goldstein, curator of the Israeli zoo, said, “Everything went quite smoothly. The aircraft team was very experienced and efficient. Thank you for your part in this project.” 

Alexander Zhadobin, director of the Zoo of Rostov-on-Don, added, “In February 2017 we started negotiations on transferring the rhinoceroses, which included following the recommendations of our Israeli colleagues and redesigning the rhinos’ enclosure. Since arriving in Russia, they have relocated well under quarantine as they adapt to their new conditions. We would like to express our gratitude to Volga-Dnepr Airlines for their safe transportation.” 

The transportation was performed at the request of Charter Green Light Moscow LLC, a logistics partner of Volga-Dnepr Airlines.

Volga-Dnepr Group continues to perform important missions to support the wildlife preservation projects. Following previous deliveries of rare and endangered Przhevalsky horses by its sister carrier Atran Airlines, Volga-Dnepr Airlines transported the two male rhinos from the Zoological Center Ramat Gan in Israel. 

White rhinos are the second largest land mammals after elephants. Being naturally the inhabitants of Africa, Southern White Rhinos are now subject to protection and population management following the almost complete extinction of their close relatives, the Northern White Rhino.