In 2019, Expeditors supported a unique and specialized logistics project: the relocation of five Eastern Black Rhinos from European zoos to Akagera National Park in Rwanda. The move, coordinated in partnership with conservation organizations and government agencies, was designed to reestablish a rhino population in a region where the species had been extinct since 2007. While transporting live animals is not a standard service offering across our organization, our Expeditors Prague team leveraged their expertise to ensure the safe and successful delivery of these critically endangered animals.
The Move: From Prague to Kigali
The five rhinos, Jasiri, Jasmine, Manny, Olmoti, and Mandela, originated from three different European institutions: Dvůr Králové Safari Park in the Czech Republic, Flamingo Land in the UK, and Ree Park Safari in Denmark. Each animal was selected for its potential to thrive and contribute to a new population in Rwanda.
Expeditors’ Prague branch, leveraging its unique skillset in specialized logistics, stepped in to coordinate the complex move. From custom-built crates to temperature-controlled transport, every detail was meticulously planned to ensure the safety and comfort of the animals.
Upon arrival in Akagera, the rhinos were placed in an acclimatization enclosure, allowing them to adjust to their new environment. Over the following months, they were gradually released into the wild.
The Impact: New Life in Akagera
Six years later, the impact of this initiative is clearly visible — the rhino population in Akagera is growing and thriving!
On May 7, 2023, Jasiri, one of the transported females, gave birth to a healthy male calf. Her story is both remarkable and unlikely. Born underweight and unable to nurse, she survived thanks to the tireless care of zookeepers. Now, she’s a mother herself, contributing to the rebirth of Rwanda’s rhino population.
This birth, along with another from the group, marks the first successful rhino calves born in Rwanda since the species went extinct in 2007. It’s a testament to the power of collaboration between logistics experts, conservationists, and governments.
Delivering Possibility
While transporting live animals isn’t part of our everyday operations, this project reflects the adaptability and commitment of our teams when faced with unique challenges. Supporting the safe relocation of these endangered rhinos to Rwanda is a powerful example of how the logistics industry can contribute to global conservation efforts and play a vital role beyond the traditional movement of goods.
To learn more about Expeditors' environmental and social initiatives, please visit our Sustainability page or read our most recent Sustainability Report. Our multi-pronged approach is well-documented, but if you have further questions, do not hesitate to connect with our team.