From Bengaluru to Osaka: Loaded in crates, Bannerughatta Biological Park’s 4 jumbos begin 20-hour flight trip | Bengaluru News

Bengaluru: Scripting a new chapter in wildlife conservation, four Asiatic elephants from Bannerughatta Biological Park (BBP) on the outskirts of Bengaluru embarked on an extraordinary journey from Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) to Osaka in Japan on Thursday night. Loaded onto a special chartered cargo flight (Boeing 777-200F) in a specially designed crate, the elephants were airlifted to Osaka in Japan.Flying for about 12 hours, the elephants will land in Osaka on Friday afternoon. On Saturday, the elephants—three females and one male—will proceed to Himeji Central Park-Safari Park, their new home for the rest of their lives, spanning a 20-hour long journey. This was the first-ever air transportation of elephants from BBP to an international destination, achieving a major milestone in the global zoological exchange of animals. The elephants will be accompanied by a team of veterinarians from BBP and Japan, as well as biologists and mahouts. Officials told TOI that over 25 BBP staff worked on this programme for close to six months, from designing the crates to training the elephants for the long-duration flight. “This was indeed a first experience for all of us. While the entire process itself was thrilling, it was filled with a lot of lessons,” said AV Surya Sen, executive director of BBP.The elephants were trained for six months on how to live in a crate. “Every day, they were made to enter, stay, and relax inside the crates for 3 to 4 hours, making them acclimatised to the conditions. From designing crates to transportation, all steps were executed as per the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animals Regulations. The aircraft was chosen keeping in mind the total weight of the elephants, and the travel is funded by Japanese zoo officials,” Sen said. The elephants, secured in special crates, were loaded onto a special truck using a special crane at BBP and transported to KIA. The flight will only carry these crates, and there will not be any other cargo.Veterinarians said all elephants were fed before entering the crates. “During the trip, we’ll only provide them with light refreshments, including glucose, cucumber, and other fruits. After landing, they will be examined in Osaka, before the final journey to Himeji Park,” said a supervisor. A team of veterinarians and mahouts will camp in Japan for a month to help Japanese officials in looking after the elephants.