Florida to Kenya Antelope Flight Delayed 14 Hours by Plane Problem

A flight carrying 17 endangered antelopes to Kenya was delayed for 14 hours on the tarmac in Florida because of a plane problem. This is a big setback for their return home.
By Newsroom | Wildlife, Kenya |

A recent operation to return 17 critically endangered mountain bongo antelopes from Florida to their native Kenya experienced a significant disruption. The antelopes, bred in Florida and part of a larger conservation effort, were en route to a Kenyan sanctuary when their charter flight from Palm Beach International Airport encountered a mechanical issue. This mishap forced the animals to remain on the tarmac for an extended period, derailing the planned transfer.

Context of the Operation

The transatlantic journey was designed to aid the recovery of the mountain bongo population, which is severely depleted, with fewer than 100 believed to be left in the wild. These antelopes are third-generation descendants of bongos originally from Kenya, taken to the U.S. in the 1960s. The aim of their return is to facilitate breeding and eventual reintroduction into Kenya's Mount Kenya forest ecosystem, from which they have been absent for over 40 years. The effort involves collaboration between organizations such as Tusk, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS), with DHL Express providing specialist logistics.

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The flight, carrying 17 antelopes, approximately 6 tonnes of feed, and three animal care specialists, departed from Palm Beach International Airport. The planned journey was about 30 hours, including the flight and transit. However, shortly after the animals boarded, the aircraft experienced a mechanical problem, preventing its departure.

The Airport Incident

The antelopes spent roughly 14 hours on the plane, which was situated on the airport tarmac at Palm Beach International Airport. The issue with the charter flight could not be immediately resolved, leading to the aborted mission. As a result, the animals could not be re-prepared for transport within a suitable timeframe for that year, according to Paul Reillo, who raised the antelopes at a Florida conservatory.

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Following the setback, Reillo arrived at the airport to collect the animals. The antelopes were then taken to a facility in Loxahatchee, Florida, where they are currently housed. Officials indicated that the animals would eventually return to Africa.

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Conservation Efforts and Challenges

The mountain bongo's decline is attributed to poaching, habitat loss, forest degradation, and fragmentation. Conservation programs aim to bolster the wild population, with a target of reaching 750 animals over the next 50 years. This incident highlights the complexities and potential obstacles in such large-scale animal translocation projects.

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DHL Express has been a key partner, utilizing its logistics expertise for the transport. The company has previously flown endangered mountain bongos to Kenya as part of its partnership with Tusk. This recent event underscores the delicate nature of wildlife conservation, where even well-planned operations can be impacted by unforeseen technical difficulties.

Future Transport Plans

The antelopes' readiness for transport will be impacted by the delay. Paul Reillo indicated that the animals would not be suitable for transport again for several months. While the specific timeline for a rescheduled journey has not been detailed, it is understood that the ultimate goal remains to return these animals to Kenya for the conservation program. KWS has also indicated that other batches of mountain bongos are expected from European zoos in the coming months.

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Expert Analysis

"The return of 17 critically endangered mountain bongos from Florida to Kenya is a significant step in restoring this critically endangered species to its native habitat, and demonstrates the conservation progress that can be made through collaboration." - Charlie Mayhew, founder and president of Tusk.

This statement emphasizes the importance of such efforts, even when faced with challenges. The collaborative nature of this project, involving multiple organizations and logistical support, is presented as crucial for achieving conservation goals. The incident, while a setback, does not appear to have diminished the commitment to the broader conservation mission.

Conclusion

The stranding of 17 endangered mountain bongo antelopes at Palm Beach International Airport due to a mechanical failure on their charter flight to Kenya represents a significant disruption to a critical conservation initiative. The animals, bred in Florida and destined for a sanctuary on Mount Kenya, were delayed for approximately 14 hours on the tarmac. This incident has necessitated their return to a Florida conservatory, postponing their journey by several months. Despite this setback, the commitment to the mountain bongo's rewilding in Kenya remains, with efforts expected to resume once the animals are prepared for travel. The event highlights the logistical intricacies and inherent risks associated with moving critically endangered species across continents.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were 17 endangered antelopes stranded at Palm Beach Airport on their way to Kenya?
The flight carrying the 17 mountain bongo antelopes from Florida to Kenya had a mechanical problem. This meant the plane could not leave the airport as planned.
Q: How long were the antelopes stuck on the plane in Florida?
The 17 antelopes were on the plane on the tarmac at Palm Beach International Airport for about 14 hours. This long wait caused the trip to be cancelled for that day.
Q: What happened to the antelopes after the flight was cancelled?
After the 14-hour delay, the antelopes were taken off the plane. They were brought back to a facility in Loxahatchee, Florida, where they are being kept for now.
Q: When will the antelopes try to go to Kenya again?
The antelopes cannot travel again for several months because of the recent delay. The plan to return them to Kenya for conservation efforts will happen later.
Q: Why is returning these antelopes to Kenya important?
These antelopes are critically endangered, with fewer than 100 left in the wild. Returning them to Kenya helps with breeding and reintroducing them to their home, Mount Kenya forest, to save their species.