Transporting zoo animals for conservation programs, breeding loans, or collection transfers poses significant welfare risks that require careful planning and species-specific protocols.
Zoo animals face acute stress during transport from confinement, unfamiliar sounds, vibration, temperature changes, and loss of social companions. Poor planning leads to injury, illness, or death. Best practices include habituation training before transport, minimizing journey duration, providing familiar food and bedding, and ensuring veterinary supervision throughout. Animal welfare assessments should be central to any transfer decision.