Endangered Rhinoceros Safely Arrives in Indonesia from Columbus’ Rickenbacker International Airport

Harapan (“Harry”) the rhinoceros, the world’s only Sumatran rhino living outside of South Asia, safely arrived at his new home in Indonesia from Columbus’ Rickenbacker International Airport via Cathay Pacific Cargo early this month.

There are fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos left in the world, and Harry needed to be relocated from his home at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, where zookeepers hope he will increase his species’ dwindling population. Rickenbacker International Airport was a natural choice, as it offers efficient ground access for unique cargo and is certified to export livestock. Rickenbacker is increasingly becoming an integral part of the livestock supply chain while offering high-quality service in a safe, humane environment.

“We are proud to have played a role in Harry the rhino’s safe journey to his native land of Sumatra,” said Bryan Schreiber, Manager of Business Development – Cargo for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority. “Key to the success of Harry’s trip was Cathay Pacific, which made sure that he was transported on the airline both safely and efficiently while meeting the needs and expectations of the keepers accompanying him along the 10,000 mile journey.”

“There was great deal of care and concern that went into the logistics of getting Harry to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary and we are pleased that the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden entrusted us to partner with them,” said Bridget Bell, Cargo Manager, Midwest USA of Cathay Pacific. “The transportation of live animals can be challenging, but Harry’s trip home went off without a hitch. We are proud to have been a part of his historic journey and glad to hear that he is happy and healthy at his new home.”

The embarkation of Harry was one of several shipments of live animals from Rickenbacker since the airport was approved by the USDA less than a year ago. In March, 176 pregnant cows were shipped to Thailand for milk production and on June, 20 pygmy goats from Hamilton, Ohio were flown from Rickenbacker International Airport to Kuwait. There have also been numerous successful shipments of Arabian horses.