Two giant panda bears, the male Bing Xing (Star of Ice) and the female Hua Zuiba (Cuty Lips),have arrived safely in their new home in Madrid Zoo after a two-day trip from China. Transportation
from the Chengdu Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding was managed by TNT Express.The two pandas left their place of birth for a 10-year stay in Madrid as part of the Giant PandaInternational Conservation Cooperation Project between Spain and China. The animals were taken by aspecial TNT truck to Shanghai and then flown on a TNT B 747 freighter directly to Madrid. Thejourney of the two panda bears was captured and edited on video and VNR distributed by ReutersTelevision.
“Because TNT ensured that the pandas’ strict living conditions were met throughout the entirejourney from Chengdu to Madrid, this complex logistical operation was a success,” commented PedroDomínguez, Special Services Manager at TNT Spain. “TNT took a number of measures to ensure acomfortable ride for the pandas including ensuring an optimal temperature of about 20 degreesCelsius throughout the journey, direct access for veterinarians during the entire transportationand close-circuit cameras installed to ensure the pandas well-being.”
“The transport of live animals requires a very complex logistical operation,” said JesúsFernández Morán, Technical Director of the Madrid Zoo (part of the Parques Reunidos Group). “Weknew TNT’s Special Services department from earlier collaborations and we were convinced of theircapacity to offer an integral solution for this type of operation.”
Panda bears are in danger of complete extinction. Only 1,600 Panda bears are still living infreedom in China and 140 live in different zoos around the world.
