Transportation of animals

Two well-known historical examples of animals transported to foreign countries are Hanno the elephant[1] and Dürer's Rhinoceros.

In 2013, the CEO of Toronto Zoo stated that "whatever the mode of transport is, ground, air, rail, there are associated risks with moving elephants".

The 322-kilometre move was completed by a Dutch company that specialises in animal transportation using a specially built trailer with an adjustable roof.

[15] In 2013, a South African zoologist received media attention for having transported 27 lions, mostly adult, in his Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to relocate them from one wildlife park to another.

[16] Though they are related to the horse and rhinoceros, tapirs are regulated as pachyderms by the United States Department of Agriculture for the purpose of transportation and import.

[18] In 2013, Timmy, a 400-pound Baird's tapir who had suffered from ear infections, was sent by FedEx from Florida to Los Angeles as part of a breeding programme.

Keiko, who played the role of Willy in the film, was moved using a trailer – although when he was actually transported to the Oregon Coast Aquarium, he was airlifted by the United Parcel Service.

[21] The largest animal ever transported was J.J., a young gray whale who weighed 19,200 lb (8,700 kg) and was 31 feet (9.4 m) long.

[27] In 2018, United Airlines admitted to forcing a passenger pet to be stowed away in an overhead bin, resulting in the animal's death.

[29] A similar incident occurred in March 2018 when Delta Air Lines sent a puppy to Salt Lake City instead of its intended Boise destination.

[30] In 2004 a change in EU law meant that as well as cats and dogs, ferret transportation was allowed within European Union borders.

[31] Currently the EU pet passport scheme only covers cats, dogs and ferrets that have been vaccinated against rabies and fitted with electronic microchips.