Turkish Cargo has transported an endangered koala from Hong Kong to the United Kingdom.

The carrier — which has an IATA CEIV Live Animals certification —  took on the role of sponsor carrier in accordance with IATA LAR (Live Animal Regulations).

At its SMARTIST automated terminal within Istanbul Airport, Turkish Cargo also has a 500 sqm area designated for handling animals.

Turkish said after obtaining all the necessary permits for the koala's transfer, a flight plan equipped with green space and companies requiring extreme sensitivity and care was developed from Hong Kong to the Longleat Safari Park in the United Kingdom. 

Yani, born in Australia and later brought to Hong Kong, was left alone after the other koalas she lived with at the park passed away.

Deprived of socialization and opportunities to continue her species due to South Australia's biosecurity regulations, it was decided that the most suitable place for Yani to continue her life would be the Longleat Safari Park.

"With meticulous planning for every detail of the operation, Turkish Cargo successfully executed Yani's transfer via an Istanbul layover in accordance with IATA LAR (Live Animal Regulations)," the carrier said.

It added that after arriving in the United Kingdom, Yani was placed in quarantine for a period and, following all health checks, was introduced to her new companions.