Air Canada Cargo recently helped transport a white-nosed coati from Toronto Zoo to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium after the animal was seized from a private home in Eastern Ontario.
As part of the airline's work in tackling the Illegal wildlife trade (IWT), Air Canada Cargo said it joined forces with accredited zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, law enforcement agencies, and other groups to help relocate animals illegally brought into the country to appropriate accredited facilities.
The announcement said the confiscated coati, named Mandy, received temporary care at the Toronto Zoo, an Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facility while a more permanent solution could be determined.
As the coati's origin and health history are unknown, it could not be released into the wild.
Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium offered a permanent home for this individual, which required coordinating transport from the Toronto Zoo to Nebraska.
"There can be significant animal welfare and wellbeing concerns for exotic animals in private ownership or unaccredited facilities. We are pleased to see that Mandy is now receiving the required care in a safer environment through our collaborative efforts with accredited zoos," said Linda Kudzman, director of environment management programs at Air Canada.
"As a global airline, we can help improve our planet's fragile ecosystems by fighting against illegal wildlife trade, whether that involves taking measures to prevent illegally trafficked wildlife from entering Canada or facilitating their safe return home or to an accredited facility."
Air Canada noted that it participates in the fight against wildlife crime by asserting and maintaining a zero-tolerance approach to illegal wildlife trafficking, including hunting trophies and shark fins associated with illegal wildlife activities.
Air Canada Cargo said it holds IATA's CEIV Live Animals certification, reinforcing the airline's commitment to handling animals with care and ensuring confiscated and/or rescued animals can travel safely and comfortably to their new homes.
