Every year, tens of millions of people fly all over the world from Schiphol for holiday, business or family visits. But many animals also travel many kilometers through the airspace from the largest airport in the Netherlands. Likewise Vasylyna and Nikola, two lions with a remarkably similar background.
Literally boarding the PH-MPS, the only Boeing 747 in a Martinair livery, was not possible for the two cats, they were brought on board in transport crates. The white Jumbo with the red tail took the two lions to South Africa, where a new home awaits them at Lionsrock, a 1,250-metre-hectare park that is a specialist sanctuary for big cats.
Inseparable
Both Vasylyna and Nikola were victims of the illegal wildlife trade. Both escaped from private property. More than 2,000 kilometers apart, they roam the streets of Montenegro and Ukraine. After they were captured, they were transferred to the safe haven of FELIDA, a shelter for big cats in Friesland of the Vier Voeters foundation. The couple built a bond with each other and are now inseparable.
Prepared
In FELIDA the couple is prepared for the move in the best possible way. ‘Crate’ training was done with them every day. This was to familiarize the animals with the transport crates so that they did not have to be anesthetized. The ‘crate’ training went well. Nikola needed a little more time and guidance, but both lions successfully walked into their transport crates and headed to a place where they will have the opportunity to live safely in a large reserve, surrounded by other lions.
Extensive experience
KLM Martinair Cargo uses its extensive experience in the transport of wild animals. The airline has a special pet hotel in its KLM Cargo facilities at Schiphol. Experienced staff diligently monitor animal welfare throughout the journey. One of KLM’s Boeing 747s, the PH-BFT, had already served as a ‘bear boat’ for two pandas, one of their 787s as a moving van for three koalas and now two lions took to the air again in a 747.
