Air, Express, Feature, Freight News, Logistics

No work permit required for this EU arrival

[ November 25, 2022   //   Chris Lewis ]

Kiburi, a Western Lowland gorilla, has made his debut at London Zoo thanks to DHL Express. The logistics company flew the 193kg, 5ft 4ft tall gentle giant from a zoo in Tenerife to the UK as part of an international breeding programme for critically endangered species.

The 18-year-old joins females Mjukuu and Effie, and youngsters Alika and Gernot, in the family’s Gorilla Kingdom home in the hope that his arrival will lead to a further increase in the local gorilla population.

If follows the sad passing of London Zoo’s Kumbuka in 2018 prompting a search for the perfect male to take his place, working with the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme. 

He travelled in a custom-built crate supported by a dedicated team of zookeepers, aircraft engineers, cargo handlers, security teams, pilots and drivers for the 1,903-mile door-to-door journey.

According to reports, despite his size Kiburi was far less demanding than the average human first class passenger, enjoying an in-flight meal of nutritious leafy greens, leeks and a banana washed down with cold fruit tea.

Tags: DHL Express