Uganda’s BAR Aviation continues to support wildlife conservation initiatives, with a recent airlift of black rhinos to support endangered species repopulation.
On the 6th of December 2023, BAR successfully transported five black rhinos from Limpopo, South Africa, had stops in Zambia and Burundi, and then to Zakouma, Chad for purposes of repopulating Zakouma National Park.
The uplift was carried out using the operator’s reliable L100-30 Super Hercules heavy cargo aircraft.
The Hercules L-100
The Hercules L100-30 Super Hercules is a four-engine turboprop heavy lift transport aircraft first built by Lockheed Martin in 1965.
It is a commercial freighter derivative of the military C- 130H-30 Hercules. The C-130 series have been in continuous production since 1957.
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The LM-100J Hercules introduced in 2016 is the newest commercial version of this iconic aircraft.
Both the commercial L100-30’s and their military counterparts have been providing unique airlift capabilities for decades around the world, as multi-mission aircraft from cargo transport to humanitarian missions.
A Game Changer for African Cargo Flights
The Hercules L-100 has greater range, cargo capacity and improved safety. The Hercules L-100 can fly up to 4,500 nautical miles (7,300 kilometers) without refueling, which means that you can fly from Johannesburg or Nairobi to Cape Town in South Africa without stopping.
This increased range makes it possible for you to carry more cargo on your flight than ever before!
In addition to being able to carry more weight in one trip, this aircraft also has an improved safety record compared with older models of the same type of plane which have been used by other airlines around Africa for decades now.
The Journey of the Black Rhinos
BAR’s reliable L100 Super Hercules cargo plane played a pivotal role in this conservation initiative. The journey, which included stops in Zambia and Burundi, covered a distance of 4,400km (2,734 miles) and lasted over 36 hours.
This marks the second significant achievement for BAR, following the safe transportation of white rhinos from South Africa to Congo on June 3rd and 4th, 2023.
BAR’s Ongoing Commitment to Conservation
BAR Aviation reiterates its dedication to wildlife preservation and environmental sustainability. Leveraging its expertise in cargo transportation, the company actively collaborates with global conservation organizations to protect endangered species.
Notably, the transported black rhinos had been locally extinct for more than four decades, making BAR’s efforts crucial for their survival.
The Critical State of Black Rhinos
Black rhinos, native to eastern and southern Africa, face a dire situation, classified as critically endangered on the IUCN red list.
With only 6,487 remaining across the continent in 2022, these majestic creatures are under constant threat from poaching.
In 2022 alone, 561 rhinos fell victim to poachers. BAR’s involvement in their transportation not only aids in their preservation but also highlights the urgency of international cooperation in protecting endangered species.
BAR’s Global Impact on Conservation
BAR Aviation’s impact extends beyond its operational boundaries. The successful transportation to Chad aimed at repopulating the region after the solitary existence of the only two remaining females for over five years.
Previous attempts resulted in the loss of four out of six black rhinos during translocation. BAR not only contributes to the preservation of black rhinos but also fosters international collaboration in safeguarding endangered species and their habitats.
A Proud Moment for BAR Aviation
Clinton Moodley, Head of Cargo at BAR, expressed pride in the company’s pivotal role in this critical conservation effort. “As a company deeply committed to ethical and sustainable practices, we take great pride in contributing to the preservation of endangered species,”
Moodley stated. “The successful transportation of black rhinos to Chad underscores our dedication to making a positive impact on the world’s ecosystems.”
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