Photo by: Zoo Zurich, Enzo Franchini
Inside Swiss WorldCargo’s mission to move an endangered bear
Raymi is an endangered Andean bear who needed a new home to support the conservation of his species, but that meant going through a complex transportation process. Swiss WorldCargo stepped up to the challenge and safely moved Raymi from his base in the US to his new habitat at Zoo Zurich. Find out more about his journey by reading the article below.
Published 11 December 2024 by Cargo Marketing and Communications
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Swiss WorldCargo took on the intricate task of transporting Raymi, the endangered bear, from a U.S. Zoo to the Zoo Zurich. The shipping operation was more than a routine transport — Raymi needed a well-coordinated effort to ensure his welfare and contribute to biodiversity efforts.
In the words of Dominik Ryser, Head of Communication at Zoo Zurich: “In order to continue breeding and thus make an important contribution to preserving the reserve population in zoos, the new male Andean Bear moved to Zoo Zurich as part of the breeding program. As a male from the United States, he is particularly valuable, as his genes are not yet present in the European zoo population. Genetic diversity is important for a stable population.”
From meticulous planning to compliance with complex wildlife regulations, Swiss WorldCargo handled each phase of Raymi’s journey with an eye for safety and animal care, contributing to wildlife conservation through careful, compassionate logistics.
Raymi’s journey: Preparation & planning
The successful transportation of Raymi from its home as it knew it in the U.S. to a new environment in Zurich started long before he set his paw outside the U.S. Zoo gates. The Swiss WorldCargo team initiated a thorough planning phase, reviewing everything from handling considerations to designing a stress-minimizing environment for this special cargo ‘passenger’.
Documentation & regulatory compliance
Transporting wildlife internationally goes beyond getting a cargo ticket. There are many regulations and policies to consider, especially when moving between two highly regulated continents, North America and Europe. Each step of the documentation process was essential to maintaining compliance with laws governing protected species. This meant securing veterinary clearances, import and export permits, and customs approvals.
Swiss WorldCargo’s attention to detail and understanding of regulatory protocols demonstrated its strength in handling complex and sensitive special transportation like Raymi, reinforcing the commitment to legal standards and animal welfare.
Health & safety preparations
In addition to paperwork, health and safety were top priorities. Before departure, Raymi underwent pre-flight health checks by a team of veterinarians to ensure the bear was fit for the journey. The team at Swiss WorldCargo collaborated with animal health experts to address every aspect of Raymi’s in-flight needs, including temperature-controlled conditions, dietary provisions, and steps to reduce potential travel stress.
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Photo by: Zoo Zurich, Enzo Franchini
Raymi's arrival & adaptation
After a successful flight transportation, Raymi’s arrival in Zurich kicked off the process of getting him adjusted to a new home and continuing conservation care. Swiss WorldCargo coordinated his handover to Zoo Zurich’s staff and ensured a seamless transition for the Andean bear. The process was carefully managed to give Raymi a calm arrival experience.
Photo by: Zoo Zurich, Enzo Franchini
Arrival & seamless handover to Zurich Zoo
Upon arrival in Zurich, the Swiss WorldCargo Team coordinated with veterinarians and caretakers at Zoo Zurich for a smooth and organized handover. This was important to ensure that Raymi did not feel the effects of the change. Zoo Zurich then took over Raymi’s care to prepare him for his new habitat.
„Zoo Zurich attaches great importance to species-appropriate husbandry. Raymi’s enclosure was therefore built to satisfy all needs that Andean Bears have and to imitate their natural habitat as close as possible. The enclosure is laid out as a forest, it contains a waterfall and a little lake. The Bears must search for their food themselves every day. There are also several caves where the bears can rest. And they have different possibilities for climbing since this is something they naturally like to do a lot” states Dominik Ryser.
Swiss WorldCargo's contribution to global conservation efforts
Swiss WorldCargo’s work throughout the logistics process and the partnership with Zoo Zurich exemplify the air cargo carrier’s role in supporting global biodiversity. By ensuring the safe transport of endangered species like Raymi, Swiss WorldCargo played a direct role in species preservation and wildlife conservation programs.
Photo by: Zoo Zurich, Enzo Franchini
Swiss WorldCargo: A committed partner to animal logistics & conservation
By taking on the specialized transport of endangered wildlife, Swiss WorldCargo is helping shape a future where animal welfare and biodiversity receive the attention they deserve, ultimately supporting vital conservation efforts worldwide. Connect with us to learn more about how we contribute to global conservation through specialized animal logistics.
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