Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has a long history of transporting animals, dating back to 1924 when they carried their first breeding bull. 

“Despite our extensive experience in transporting various species, each shipment comes with its unique set of complexities and requires meticulous planning and coordination to ensure everything goes smoothly,” Mirjam Scherer, Global Head of Special Logistics at Air France KLM Martinair Cargo, said. “These shipments always bring a little extra excitement.”

Recently, the carrier was approached by the Ouwehands Zoo in the Netherlands to transport three koalas from the San Diego Zoo – a significant event as koalas had never set foot on Dutch soil before.

Such operations are not just about the airline but involve a multitude of stakeholders.

“We can’t do it alone. There are so many different parties involved when transporting such vulnerable species, from local authorities and customs to health officials and the Royal Military Police,” She explained. 

“Additionally, specialised freight forwarders play a crucial role. All these entities must work in unison to ensure the safe and smooth transportation of the animals, and their cooperation is invaluable to our success.”

Transporting koalas is particularly challenging due to their unique needs. 

“I always thought they were chilled animals, hanging in trees, but they’re actually quite stress-sensitive,” Scherer explained. 

To mitigate stress, the koalas underwent crate training weeks before the journey. Their travel crates were also specially prepared with mesh covers to reduce visual stimuli, creating a more calming environment.

“We require great training for our staff and the animals. If the animals aren’t accustomed to the crates, they can become highly stressed,” Scherer noted. 

The logistics of the koalas’ journey involved careful planning at both the departure and arrival points. In San Diego, the koalas were kept in a quiet corner of the warehouse until final preparations were complete. 

On arrival in Amsterdam, they were taken to KLM Cargo’s animal hotel at Schiphol Airport, where they were greeted by veterinarians and handlers from both the San Diego and Dutch zoos. This handover process was essential to ensure the well-being of the koalas.

“Preparation is crucial. From ensuring proper ventilation and temperature control to handling the meticulous paperwork involved, every detail must be accounted for well in advance,” She added.

One key to the success of such operations is clear and constant communication among all parties. 

“We always include the authorities from the beginning,” Scherer said. 

“This involvement helps in addressing any potential issues promptly and ensures all necessary paperwork is in order. For the koala shipment, a dedicated security officer, customs officer, and veterinarian were involved throughout the process, making sure every step was handled with the utmost care and precision.”

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