DHL Express has provided specialised aviation and logistics support for the relocation of Bili, a young rescued gorilla, from the Pandrillus Foundation’s Drill Ranch in Calabar, Nigeria, to the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo’s Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center near Pointe-Noire.
The cross-border operation brought together conservation organisations, government authorities and logistics specialists, with DHL acting as the logistics partner through its membership of the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. The company coordinated aviation planning and cargo support for Bili’s movement from Lagos to Pointe-Noire.
A broad group of organisations and public authorities took part in the operation. These included the Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria’s Ministry of Environment and Department of Forestry, the Congo Ministry of Forest Economy, Pandrillus Foundation, Focused Conservation, the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo and The Aspinall Foundation.
DHL teams in Nigeria, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire and the Republic of Congo, supported by the company’s regional aviation network, contributed to the specialised transfer.
Anthony Beckley, VP Operations and Aviation at DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “We are proud that DHL’s network and people could help bring all these elements together and support Bili’s journey to a safe, long-term home, with her safety and wellbeing at its centre.”
Beckley also emphasised the importance of practical cooperation across borders in protecting Africa’s wildlife. According to DHL, successful conservation efforts depend on coordination between conservation organisations, authorities and private-sector partners.
The company’s role in the relocation builds on its long-standing relationship with the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce. The initiative brings together transport companies, conservation groups, law enforcement agencies and policy experts to help prevent logistics networks from being exploited for illegal wildlife trafficking.
DHL joined the taskforce in 2014. Since then, it has worked with industry partners to increase awareness of wildlife crime, exchange intelligence concerning high-risk trafficking routes and strengthen coordination with customs and law enforcement authorities.
Bili’s transfer began on 21 September, when she undertook a 22-hour road journey from Calabar to Lagos. The following day, 22 September, she travelled aboard a DHL cargo flight departing from Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport and bound for Pointe-Noire, with a stop in Libreville, Gabon.
She arrived in Pointe-Noire on 23 September and was handed over to the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo team for the final road journey to the Tchimpounga facility.
Bili was put into a specially constructed crate from Pandrillus that met the live animal transport requirements for the air transfer. Before leaving, Pandrillus completed all the necessary export and import permits, CITES documentation, veterinary certification, IATA requirements and customs procedures.
Rebeca Atencia, Executive Director and Head Veterinarian of the Jane Goodall Institute Republic of Congo, and Imelda Effiong, her caregiver for the past three years, accompanied Bili on her journey.
The operation involved a number of specialist disciplines including animal welfare, regulatory compliance, security, ground transportation and aviation expertise, with teams working across different countries to coordinate the relocation.
The ultimate goal is to incorporate Bili into the existing gorilla reintroduction program at the Lesio-Louna Gorilla Reserve. The program is run by the Congo Ministry of Forest Economy in conjunction with The Aspinall Foundation.
