Volga-Dnepr Group has continued to play a role supporting the reintroduction of endangered Przewalski horses in Russia, flying 16 from Hungary.

The group’s regional and express cargo airline, ATRAN Airlines delivered 16 Przewalski horses from Hortobagy National Park in Hungary to Orenburg Nature Reserve on one of its Boeing 737-400 Freighters.

This is the third delivery by the group for the Joint Directorate of Orenburg and Shaytan-Tau Nature Reserves.

Earlier flights in 2015 and 2016 delivered the endangered horses from Tour du Valat in France and Hortobagy National Park.

Each horse was transported in a special horse stall to ensure comfort and wellbeing throughout the journey, and they are in the process of being reintroduced into their natural habitat in Russia.

ATRAN worked closely with Fly Concord, and general director Svetlana Berezina says: “Transportation of rare, wild and specially-protected animals is a serious responsibility for which a tailored approach and guaranteed performance to the highest standards are essential. This is what we get with Volga-Dnepr as a result of its extensive knowledge and expertise in moving special cargoes.”

Berezina adds: “The Nature Reserve team is very hopeful that the newly-arrived horses will settle quickly into their new natural environment. Ultimately, it is expected that these Przewalski horses will breed and help to restore their presence on the Orenburg steppes for many generations to come.”