Harry goes home to Sumatra in style

The world’s only Sumatran rhinoceros living outside of South Asia, named Harapan (a.k.a. “Harry”), arrived safely earlier this month at his new home in Indonesia. Harry was airlifted from Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, flying with Cathay Pacific Cargo.

The rhino needed to be relocated from his former home at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden to the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary, where zookeepers hope he will increase his species’ population, as there are fewer than 100 Sumatran rhinos remaining in the world.

Rickenbacker was a natural location from which to disembark, as it offers efficient ground access for unique cargo and was recently certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to export livestock. The airport is increasingly becoming an integral part of the livestock supply chain, due to its humane treatment of animals.

Bryan Schreiber, manager of business development, cargo, for the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, said Cathay Pacific made sure Harry was in the care of keepers throughout the 10,000 mile journey on the nose-loading 747 freighter.

“The transportation of live animals can be challenging, but Harry’s trip home went off without a hitch,” said Bridget Bell, cargo manager, Midwest USA, Cathay Pacific. “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.”