Transporting live animals, especially endangered species, requires an exceptional level of care, precision, and teamwork. Cathay Cargo recently took on this challenge by safely delivering two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, from Chengdu, China, to their new home at Ocean Park in Hong Kong. 

The journey of pandas to Hong Kong required months of planning and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.

“A number of teams from Cathay Cargo were involved in making sure the pandas had a safe and smooth journey,”  Tom Owen, Cathay’s Director Cargo, said.

“Our Cargo Planning team worked closely with authorities to secure a preferred flight time slot, ensuring the best possible conditions for the pandas.”

“We worked with the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda and Ocean Park Hong Kong to design the panda habitats for air transport. The habitats had air holes for ventilation and met all IATA container requirements to ensure they were safe for flight,” Owen emphasised.

The documentation process was equally thorough: “We obtained health certificates, permits, and export/import licenses from the relevant Hong Kong authorities well in advance. This helped avoid any potential delays at both ends of the journey.”

Ready for departure

Transporting the pandas involved careful positioning within the aircraft to ensure their comfort and safety. Instead of modifying the Boeing 747-400F freighter, Cathay Cargo arranged the cargo to minimise stress for the animals.

“We didn’t make structural modifications to the freighter, but we took special measures to place the pandas closest to the cargo door so they could be loaded last and unloaded first. This helped ensure a swift and safe delivery,” Owen explained. 

“We maintained the cabin temperature between +20°C and +25°C, with pilots able to monitor and adjust it in real time. This was key to keeping the pandas comfortable from the moment they were loaded until they arrived in Hong Kong.”

Cathay Cargo assembled a specialised team to accompany the pandas, ensuring they received the best care during their journey.

“Two of our most experienced flight crew, including a female captain, flew the pandas from Chengdu to Hong Kong,” Owen continued. 

“There were also grooms and veterinarians on board to monitor the pandas’ condition throughout the flight.”

To ensure the pandas’ well-being, they were provided with bamboo and water inside their habitats. 

“Our team paid close attention to the pandas’ condition, making sure they were calm and comfortable throughout the journey,” Owen added.

“The giant panda is a national treasure and listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, so it required special attention,” said Owen. 

“We conducted a thorough examination of the pandas and their habitats before they were accepted for transport. This included using a Live Animal Checklist in compliance with IATA CEIV Live Animals and Cathay Cargo standards.” 

The team even care during the landing: “We instructed our pilots to lower the brakes gently during landing to avoid any sudden jolts. These small details were crucial to keeping the pandas calm during the descent.”

Cathay Cargo followed strict safety protocols to ensure the pandas’ safety throughout the journey.

Collaboration with conservation partners

A successful panda transport requires close collaboration with experts in animal care, and Cathay Cargo worked closely with both Ocean Park Hong Kong and the China Conservation and Research Centre for the Giant Panda.

“We worked hand-in-hand with our partners to design the panda transit habitats and to plan every detail of the journey,” Owen said. “This close collaboration was crucial to ensuring that the pandas’ specific needs were met at every stage of the process.

“We’re committed to animal welfare and comply with both national and international standards to ensure proper animal handling. Our IATA CEIV Live Animal Certification is a testament to our dedication to doing things the right way.”

The company is also a signatory of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration, which pledges to prevent the illegal wildlife trade. 

“We take our role in protecting vulnerable species seriously, and our policies reflect that commitment,” Owen added.

“At Cathay Cargo, we take great pride in our ability to manage sensitive and special cargo. This operation was a showcase of our ability to deliver exceptional care and precision in everything we do.”