Intradco Global and parent company, Chapman Freeborn, have worked together on a charter flight to transport 18 giraffes from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Río de Janeiro Galeão Airport (GIG).

Averaging 4.3-5.7 meters when fully grown, the animals were transported whist still young to ensure they had the legally required head clearance in the 2.95 meter-high crates, which were made of metal and plywood to make them both sturdy and leak-proof.

When animals are transported by air it is of utmost importance that their safety and happiness is at the forefront of the operation. As such, Intradco Global and Chapman Freeborn ensured the giraffes’ speedy loading to reduce the time spent on the ground at the airport. Two attendants travelled with them during their 10-hour direct flight, one of whom was a breeder who has known the giraffes their whole lives, continually monitoring their wellbeing and providing them with fresh food and water as required.

After arriving in Rio de Janeiro, cranes were used to efficiently offload the 6 crates, each containing 3 giraffes, from the 747F aircraft. The animals then entered a mandatory 30-day quarantine, which they will finish on 11th December to then be transported to their new home.

Alexander Kraynov from Intradco Global said: “This charter was in collaboration with the Chapman Freeborn South Africa team. Cargo Charter Manager, Gerhard Coetzee, was on the ground in Johannesburg communicating with the handling company and customs agents, and ensuring the loading went quickly and smoothly. Together we completed a successful operation that saw 18 exotic animals travel over 7,000 in safety and comfort.”