Ground Transportation Tips
for Transporting Animals
by Bruce Rendall
Now that most airlines will not ship great apes and other large mammals, making
ground transportation the most viable option, I wanted to write this article for
keepers and care givers who can make the difference in a safe transfer. I have
never been thrilled about air transportation for most any animal, especially
large carnivores and great apes. Being in the exotic animal ground
transportation business, and having had to air ship animals, I see first hand
the difference in the handling of the animals and, most importantly, the stress
on them. I feel the only real plus in air transportation is speed. We've all
heard the horror stories surrounding the transportation of animals by air, and I
wonder sometimes if the time and little money saved are really worth it.
Whether your institution will move the animals themselves or hire a professional
transporter, the day you hear that one of the animals in your care is going to
be moved is the day you should start planning. It's never too early to get the
animals familiar with the environment that it will be in while in transit. Space
permitting, the shipping crate should be placed so the animal can become
acquainted with it and, when possible, attached to an off-exhibit enclosure
where the animal can freely come and go into the crate. Most animals will take
to a crate as a sleeping space or safe area within a short period of time. It
can also help by placing special treats or favorite play things inside the crate
every day. This type of crate training might also negate the need for a
knockdown on shipping day, avoiding possible re-narc on the trip.
When choosing crate size, you want your animal to be comfortable with enough
room to turn around, lie down, etc., but not too much room. Common sense will
tell you from working with some animals, especially the apes, that if they can
get a grip on something and discover it will move, they will move it and in some
cases, cause serious injury to themselves in the process. Ventilation is another
consideration. Make sure your crate has plenty of ventilation. Any animal will
put off a lot of body heat and there has to be adequate ventilation to dissipate
this heat in the confined area and allow fresh air in.
The trip route should be carefully planned when transporting animals, especially
the more sensitive animals. Whether the trip is a few hours or a couple of days,
a list of all institutions along the route should be given to the driver. The
staff from the shipping institution should contact their peers along the route,
getting emergency phone numbers and names of qualified people in case there is a
problem while in transit.
The vehicle should have a separate source of heat and air and not run off the
vehicle's engine in case of a break down. If transporting in a cargo van, there
should be a solid separation between the driver and the cargo. This is
especially true concerning primates. If they get frustrated while riding, the
driver could make a fine target for objects thrown from the crate, if you know
what I mean.
Another top concern is to do everything in your power to avoid the general
public. Do not drive a vehicle marked "Zoo" and do not wear zoo
uniforms, hats, etc. That is an invitation for people to approach the vehicle or
driver with questions or wanting to see the animal. Also, take enough of
everything that will be needed for the trip. When I have a trip of 24 hours,
I'll take enough diet, water, treats, etc. for three days. It is no fun being
delayed or broken down in the middle of Nebraska looking for the food the animal
requires.
Now we come to the most important thing for a successful move: a keeper or care
giver who is familiar with the animal and with whom the animal is both familiar
and comfortable. This will not apply to all animals, but is very important with
the great apes. Apes usually have their favorite care giver and that is the
person who needs to travel with the driver if at all possible. Having a familiar
person along can cut the stress of the move immeasurably and can also help the
animal to settle into their new surroundings more quickly.
I'm sure I've forgotten some things. Just remember Murphy's Law when planning
your animal move. And please feel free to contact me if I can answer any
questions you may have before you move an animal.
Happy trails!
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