transport Archives - Jetpets AU

Kamina the Pygmy Hippo flies first class with Jetpets

Posted on November 30, 2018 by Jetpets

Here at Jetpets we often get asked “what is the most exotic animal you have ever transported?”

We have moved many amazing animals including cheetahs, sea lions, and recently two lionesses, but we did get a little excited when we were asked to take care of Kamina, a 20 month old Pygmy Hippo, as she travelled from Sydney to Darling Downs Zoo in Brisbane.

Pygmy Hippo | Zoo Moves | Jetpets | Global Pet Travel

Photo Credit: Darling Downs Zoo

There are two types of Hippopotamuses – the large Common, or Nile Hippo and the much smaller Pygmy Hippo. Pygmy Hippos are about half the height of Common Hippos and less than a quarter of the weight of their larger relations.

Even though Kamina is the smaller type of Hippo, in her travel crate she still weighed in at 750 kilograms before being loaded onto her flight.

Jetpets coordinated VIP airside access for Kamina and her Zoo Keeper, where she had her own quiet area to relax pre-flight. She was kept hydrated and was fed some tasty vegetables by her Zoo Keeper right up to the minute she was transported onto the tarmac.

Kamina was loaded into her allocated stowage compartment on a flight direct from Sydney to Brisbane, where she was introduced into her new environment at Darling Downs Zoo.

“Kamina travelled beautifully. We are impressed with how calm she is and not at all fazed by the relocation”, said Director of Darling Downs Zoo, Steve Robinson.

Kamina is one of only five Pygmy Hippos in Australia – and she is related to them all. She is the only Pygmy Hippo now residing in Queensland.

She is at the age where she would naturally become independent of her mother and has made the move to Queensland to eventually be a part of a breeding program. This is critical to the establishment of a viable insurance population of this endangered species in Australian zoos.

Photo Credit – Darling Downs Zoo

Pygmy Hippos come from forested areas within West Africa and are semi-aquatic. They do spend quite a lot of their time out of the water. Their numbers have dwindled dramatically in the wild due to deforestation, hunting for bush meat and as a result of wars in areas of Africa. Because they are so difficult to find in the wild, most of what is known about this species has been identified through studying them in zoos.

If you would like to visit Kamina or learn more about Darling Downs Zoos conservation efforts, you can visit their website here and arrange a visit.

How do you transport two Lionesses from one side of Australia to the other?

Posted on November 14, 2018 by Jetpets

You entrust Jetpets of course. Meet our latest Jetpets Happy Travellers – Lioness sisters Makeba and Uzuri.

How do you transport two Lionesses from one side of Australia to the other? | Jetpets | Zoo Moves | Safe Pet Transport | International Pet Carrier

Makeba and Uzuri settling in after their journey with Jetpets. Photo Credit: Perth Zoo

Makeba and Uzuri are 3 year old African Lionesses, and we were so excited to take care of them during their travels from Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo to Perth Zoo.

A lot of planning goes into our Special Moves, particularly when the Special Move involves two Lionesses that weigh in excess of 150kg each. With Makeba and Uzuri’s welfare at the front of our mind, our Special Moves Coordinator Sarah worked closely with both zoos to plan the logistics of the move.

Makeba and Uzuri were collected from Taronga Western Plains Zoo and transported by road to Sydney Airport, where we gained airside access for both a Jetpets Representative as well as a Taronga Western Plains Zoo Keeper to ensure the Lionesses were onboarded with the utmost of care.

Jetpets Brett Headley, with Virgin staff members and Taronga Western Plains Zoo Keeper Photo Credit: Nick Cubbins

Makeba and Uzuri travelled on a Virgin Australia Regular Public Transport flight that departed from Sydney at 7.15am, which ensured that the animals were not travelling in the heat of the day. They travelled in their own airline approved travel crates, in a cabin that was air pressured and climate controlled, just like the passenger cabin.

Makeba and Uzuri being loaded onto Virgin Australia Aircraft

Upon arrival into Perth careful planning was in place to ensure the Lionesses were first to be offloaded from the flight and into Jetpets care.

Our Pet Handler then delivered Makeba and Uzuri to Perth Zoo, where they had a process in place to introduce Makeba and Uzuri into their new environment, and a nice environment at that. Perth Zoo has recently constructed a new breeding facility and exhibit for African Lions, taking Western Australia’s ability to make a difference to global lion conservation forward in leaps and bounds.

The new $3.4M facility will house up to eight animals in the future. It includes special dens and holding areas for mothers with cubs.

Makeba and Uzuri enjoying their new environment. Photo Credit: Perth Zoo

Makeba and Uzuri will become the new breeding females for Perth Zoo’s lion breeding program.

Managed breeding is critical for this species which has already gone extinct from 26 African Countries. There are as few as 20,000 African Lions left in the wild.

The Lionesses are appropriately named; – ‘Makeba’ means greatnessin Ethiopia and ‘Uzuri’ is Swahili for Beautiful.

We look forward to following Makeba and Uzuri’s journey into motherhood.

If you would like to see these amazing Lionesses and learn more about Perth Zoos conservation efforts you can visit Perth Zoos website and arrange a visit.

Jetpets Transports First Full-Size Sea Turtle

Posted on July 3, 2018 by Jetpets

Jetpets assists in Olive Ridley Sea Turtle rehabilitation program

Jetpets are no stranger to servicing unique animal transportation needs and when we were recently contacted by Sydney’s Sea Life aquarium we were excited to learn that we would be transporting a female Sea Turtle named, “Extra Virgin”.

You might be wondering, “Why such a strange name for a turtle?”, so please allow me to explain.

“Extra Virgin” is a member of the Olive Ridley species of marine turtles. The species are known by their olive-green hue…hence the comedic nickname.

According to the World Wildlife Federation’s (WWF) website the Olive Ridley turtle’s status is considered “vulnerable”. This is due to several reasons including how fragile their breeding cycle is, with hatchling turtles returning to the same place they were born to lay their own eggs once the reach maturity. As these hatchling locations are so specific and infrequent, any damage or change to their environment could adversely affect the entire species. The turtles are also impacted by plastic rubbish, commercial fishing practices, poaching and water pollution.

Extra Virgin will return to the ocean after she completes her rehabilitation period

With such precious cargo in our care it was imperative that we pulled out all the stops to ensure that Extra Virgin reached her destination safely.

Through consultation we were able to assist in preparing Extra Virgin’s travel crate to make it more comfortable during her flight to QLD. We also liaised with the airlines to ensure that she spent no unnecessary time in crate.

Extra Virgin was being transported to undertake rehabilitation for a minor injury at her new home at Sealife on the Sunshine coast. Once she has fully recovered she will be released back into the wild to re-join the rest of her species.

Extra Virgin Is placed in to her rehabilitation tank after her journey

special mention also needs to go to Jetpets’ Pet Handler Kellie, who did a fantastic job of picking up Extra Virgin and getting her safely to the rehabilitation tank to begin her recovery.

If you would like to visit Sealife on the Sunshine coast you can visit their website here to get all the details.

African Painted Dogs

Posted on May 29, 2018 by Jetpets

There’s some new dogs in town at Tasmania Zoo in Launceston and things are going to get wild. Two brothers Dwama and Kondo and a female, Inda have arrived recently from Perth Zoo courtesy of Jetpets. African Wild Dogs or Painted Dogs as they are sometimes called are one of the world’s most critically endangered mammal species on earth.

“Our team have informed me that they travelled well, safely and have since settled into their Tassie home”, said Perth Zoo’s Danielle Henry.

For generations humans have hunted the dogs believing them to be vermin while domestic animals have passed on disease like rabies which have decimated the population in Africa. The species, once numbered close to 500,000 and spread across 40 countries, have unfortunately now dwindled to 5000. Which is why the work being done at Perth Zoo and Tasmania Zoo is so important.

The dogs are a fascinating species displaying keen hunting instincts akin to a SWAT team, being able to lay traps and ambushes for their intended prey or chase them down over vast distances. Their signature mottled coat gives them incredible camouflage amongst the shady clumps of trees and grasses while the patterns signify individuals, with no two dogs having the same pattern distribution. Their satellite like ears are able to pinpoint sounds of animals changing direction which helps the pack track their prey despite not being able to see them through the thick brush.

While the three new additions to Tasmania won’t be a part of a breeding program, by performing this interstate transport these three individuals from Perth Zoo it will free up more space and resources for new individuals to be raised while also raising awareness of this important and incredible species.

“Perth Zoo champions the cause of African Painted Dogs. Our curator set up and runs an NGO Painted Dog Conservation Inc. which aims to protects these dogs in the wild. Amongst other activities he employs locals who conduct anti-poaching patrols and snare removal from the African landscape which causes the painful deaths of many Painted Dogs” said Danielle Henry.

If you would like to see this amazing species and learn more about the conservation effort you can visit Tasmania Zoo’s website to arrange a visit or if you would like to donate to Perth Zoo’s conservation efforts you can do so by visiting their website.

Jetpets Assists in Chimpanzee Breeding Program

Posted on April 20, 2018 by Jetpets

On the remote western edge of Africa, in the country of Sierra Leone, lies a great belt of tropical rainforest home to some of the worlds most unique and beautiful animals, Chimpanzees. Due to significant pressure from the illegal bush meat trade, rising human populations and deforestation, these populations are under threat.

Monarto Zoo in South Australia is working directly with the Jane Goodall Institute and the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Centre to combat the threats to this amazing population. Monarto Zoo’s Chimpanzee breeding program was recently bolstered by the addition of two new females from Taronga Zoo in Sydney.

Hannah and Lani were transported by Jetpets last month to join their new brothers and sister at Monarto Zoo and they are settling in, in their own unique ways.

Hannah was initially nervous in meeting her new troop but quickly overcame her social anxiety to settle in to a mothering role.

“They are doing really well and have settled in better than we could ever imagine. Hannah is just amazing with Enzi (our 2 ½ year old male chimp). She can be seen at times carrying him around, and he really likes her a lot. Our alpha male Tsosti has taken a liking to Hanna and is supportive of her in any disputes”, said Monarto Zoo’s Team Leader Althea Guinsberg.

While the playful and social, Lani, has taken to grooming her new-found friends after sitting back and observing for a while.

“Lani is doing well; in the beginning she was not happy and that affected her appetite, but this did not take long to change and soon she was foraging with the troop. She gets on well with our one adult female Galatea and the two have some great grooming sessions. Gombe, one of our males, also loves grooming with Lani and they get on really well”, said Althea.

With Chimpanzees being classified as an endangered species with approximately 150,000 to 300,000 chimps remaining in the wild it’s never been a better time to support the conservation work being done by Monarto Zoo and their partners. If you would like to donate and assist in the important work they do, you can do so by visiting this link or if you are in South Australia stop by Monarto Zoo for the ultimate chimpanzee experience.

Is your furry family member travelling?

Posted on March 13, 2018 by Jetpets

There’s many benefits in using a pet travel service.

Travelling within Australia or overseas? Need flights booked for your pet? Require a door to door service? Regardless of the travel scenario there’s countless benefits in using a pet travel service, rather than attempt to organise it yourself. Here’s just some of the benefits in having the Jetpets team arrange and look after your pet throughout their entire travel journey.

Place your pet in the care of pet lovers.

We know that you are trusting us to care for your much loved, precious family member. Our pet loving team includes pet travel consultants, resident vets and pet handlers, and we are specialists when it comes to pet travel.

We will take the time to get to know your pet and find out if they have any special requirements.

Pet welfare, comfort and safety comes first

Everything we do centres around the welfare, comfort and safety of your pet.

Our resident vets are located at transit lounge locations throughout Australia. For overseas travellers our vets can complete the entire vet work schedule and ensure strict country of entry requirements are met.

Your pet travel consultant will create your pet’s travel itinerary and provide valuable tips to get your pet ready for travel, as well as stepping your through the entire process.

Our transit lounges are conveniently located near major airports in Australia and provide a relaxing and comfortable environment for your pet prior to their flight.

Our team provides great advice on the best sized travel crate for your pet. You can hire or purchase an airline compliant travel crate from Jetpets. For travel within Australia you can visit a transit lounge for guidance on the best sized travel crate, or for overseas travellers a pet handler can deliver one to your home well before travel. Our pet handlers provide great advice on getting your pet familiar with their travel crate.

For door to door services our pet handlers will transport your pet in comfort in our air-conditioned fleet.

For indirect flights we offer a comfort stop service, ensuring that your pet is taken care of every step of the way.

We are there if things don’t quite go to plan. Sometimes a flight does get delayed or cancelled, or a pet may soil their travel crate prior to flight. You needn’t be concerned as a pet handler will attend to it. They will also be there to top up their water container.

We have a strict weather policy to ensure all pets travel comfortably and safely. We have a dedicated pet travel consultant who proactively monitors the forecast and in instances of extreme weather will change the flight time if necessary.

We select the best flight options

Wanting to travel on the same flight? We will do our best to accommodate this.

We have visibility of pet cabin space availability across our airline partners and will suggest the most direct flight option for your pet.

We monitor the weather and if your pet is travelling from or to a hot climate we will recommend a morning or night flight.

Peace of mind

You can have complete peace of mind knowing that your pet is in good hands with Jetpets, and we are accessible 24/7.

Value for money

With the level of expertise provided and care taken Jetpets represents exceptional value for money. There are also many complimentary aspects of our service that provide convenience to you and benefit your pet.

For interstate pet travel you can enjoy the convenience of our complimentary transit lounge to airport pick up and delivery service.

Terms and conditions apply.

For overseas travel our complimentary services include:

The convenience of our “front door” pickup by our trained pet handlers.
Pet handler home visit to assist in choosing the correct crate size for your pet, and leave it with you for pet familiarisation.
Our stay dry fleece mat provides an absorbent padded surface to keep your pet dry and comfortable in their travel crate.
Jetpets resident vets can complete a home visit and health check.
One-night boarding stay prior to travel.

Terms and conditions apply.

Dave’s New Puppy Jet

Posted on February 22, 2016 by Jetpets

We’re just in love with Dave’s new puppy Jet (who was actually named after us, what an honour!)

You might know Dave as one of our amazing pet handlers, and the owner of our animal ambassador Sahara. Well now Sahara and the rest of Dave’s crew have a new brother courtesy of the wonderful team at Australian Working Dog Rescue!

We couldn’t be happier for Dave and we can’t wait to hear how little Jet settles into his new life.

Making the Big Move Overseas

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Jetpets

Have you just made the decision to move overseas? There is no doubt a lot to organise, without even thinking about how you can take your pet or pets along with you. But, at a time when everything in your life might be changing, having your furry friends with you will help you settle into your new home a lot quicker.

Here at Jetpets, we have the expertise to ensure your pet is transported safely and comfortably, either domestically or across the globe. Our Pet Travel Consultants can guide you through the entire process, and put your mind at ease.

Can we help you with an overseas move? Contact us today to get the process started.

What happens when your pet travels on an aircraft?

The captain of the aircraft is aware that your loved one is on board their flight
The captain will set the temperature to approx. 18 degrees celsius so that they are comfortable
The pets cabin is dimly lit so that your loved one can see what is going on around them
What we feel and hear in the cabin of the plane is the same as what your pet will experience (except in a travel crate they have much more leg room than us!)

Watch How It Works…

Puppy Love – Animals That Partner For Life

Posted on February 14, 2016 by Jetpets

Just like us humans, there are many animal species around the world that also dream about finding their one true love and life partner.

From swans, to turtle doves, wolves and even some types of fish… find out which animals are embracing monogamy below. We guarantee it will make you say awww!

Animals that mate for life:

Swans:

Swans have quickly become a universal symbol of love, with the famous image of two swans intertwining their necks together representative of this bird’s quest for love and lifelong companionship.

French angelfish:

French angelfish are rarely seen alone and always travel in pairs. They are extremely loyal and protective of their partners, with this bond often lasting their entire lifespan.

Wolves:

Often depicted as scary or violent creatures in movies and books, these animals actually value family life above everything, usually carrying out their lives travelling in packs consisting of a male, female and their young.

Albatrosses:

While these birds travel long distances throughout their life, no matter where they go they always return to their one partner to breed. The partnership between a male and female Albatross takes several years to develop and is cemented by a cute dance ritual.

Turtle Doves:

Turtle Doves have long been written about in literature, including a poem by Shakespeare and the well-known Christmas song ’12 Days of Christmas’ due to the love and faithfulness they have for their partner. The doves usually have two offspring together and both the male and female raise the young doves together.

Black Vultures:

These fierce looking creatures are yet another breed who mate for life and will even defend their partner if another bird is seen flirting with them! Both partners protect and raise their children, not dissimilar to a traditional human family unit.

Prairie Voles:

Prairie voles have been studied extensively and have been found to be one of the most monogamist species ever. They typically find their mate and parent their offspring together and are often seen grooming and cuddling with one another. Their loyalty is so strong in fact that less than 20% of these creatures will find a new their mate dies.