Pablo, a five-year-old hippopotamus currently residing at Le PAL zoo in the Allier region of France, is preparing for a significant relocation to Australia, a journey spanning over 16,000 kilometers to the Monarto Safari Park near Adelaide. According to Nicolas Géli, the head of zoological services coordinating the expedition, the move is essential for ensuring the genetic diversity of the species and addressing the need for population renewal among local groups. The lengthy trip presents greater challenges related to duration than to the animal’s weight, with current air or sea freight capabilities easily accommodating his 800 kg mass. To mitigate travel stress, the logistical plan prioritizes speed, utilizing an aircraft with a single stop in Singapore and excluding a previously planned refueling layover to save at least five hours. Such a long-distance transfer requires the animal to be in optimal health, monitored daily by a veterinarian who issues a medical certificate prior to departure. [1]
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